Nassau County has proposed new legislation that would toughen penalties for convicted animal abusers, including up to one year in jail, fines of up to $1,000, and a ban on owning pets. Introduced by Legislator John Ferretti, the bill would also double registry durations - 10 years for first time offenders and 20 for repeat abusers. Inspired in part by Suffolk County’s recently passed law, the proposal aims to strengthen protections for animals by holding abusers accountable. Ferretti emphasized the need to protect pets as valued, voiceless members of the family and advocates like Whiskers, Paws and Love hope this important step will inspire communities across the country to adopt similar protections, ensuring vulnerable animals everywhere are given the safety, love, and dignity they deserve.
