Animal Cruelty Registry Unanimously Adopted

MAYVILLE – The Chautauqua County Legislature, as expected, passed an Animal Cruelty Registry Wednesday evening during its monthly voting meeting.
The registry will mimic the principles of a sex offender registry; hence preventing convicted pet abusers from purchasing or obtaining animals from any animal shelter or pet seller.
Legislator Terry Niebel addressed the Legislature, stating his appreciation for County Executive George Borrello and Sheriff Joe Gerace’s cooperation in creating the legislation. Niebel discussed the importance of the legislation, reminding the Legislature and audience of the pit bull that was allegedly hanged by Jamestown man, Robert Overton.
The legislature tabled the motion last month after language was added to appease a particular group, according to several people with knowledge of the proceedings.
Borrello, however, told WNYNewsNow’s Ryan Hedrick that he expected the legislation to be passed this month.
The community, sometimes accused of not participating in public functions like school board meetings or city council meetings, was steadfast in its support of restrictions like the ones the proposed animal cruelty registry would put in place.
We spoke to a Mary Hummerich earlier this month, who told us that she is a believer that animal cruelty is a step towards something worse.
“If you could do that to an animal what’s next?”
The meeting was held at Chautauqua Lake Central School’s auditorium in anticipation of a larger audience.
WNYNewsNow’s Justin Gould, Ryan Hedrick and Matt Hummel contributed to this report.