New Laws To Protect Animals Signed In Dutchess County

HYDE PARK, NY — Two new pieces of legislation to prevent animal cruelty were signed into law Tuesday in Dutchess County. County Executive Marc Molinaro and County Legislature Chairman Gregg Pulver signed the two laws at the Dutchess County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in Hyde Park.

The two resolutions were unanimously approved in a bi-partisan vote of the Dutchess County Legislature at its Aug. 13 board meeting.

"These two local laws will help prevent the mistreatment, abuse and neglect of animals in Dutchess County," Molinaro said.

"I applaud Chairman Gregg Pulver and the entire Dutchess County Legislature for their bi-partisan support of this meaningful legislation to safeguard the wellbeing of those that cannot speak for themselves," he said.

One resolution establishes an animal abuse registry, restricting those who have committed serious animal welfare crimes to be banned from owning or residing with an animal for 15 years and be listed on the Dutchess County Sheriff's Office website to restrict their ability to obtain an animal.

The second resolution establishes canine tethering regulations relating to shelter, weather conditions, length of time and more to ensure the general welfare of the animal.

Pulver said he was proud to see the two bills signed into law.

"Having experienced first-hand the impacts abuse and neglect have had on many of the animals my wife and I have rescued over the years," he said.

"These laws will go a long way toward protecting animal welfare in Dutchess," Pulver said.

DCSPCA's Executive Director Lynne Meloccaro said she was grateful to the county for its support of animals and her organization's mission to fight animal abuse and neglect.

"These laws are important steps towards helping keep animals out of the shelter and in loving homes with people who can care for them properly," she said.

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