Media Contact: Michael King

Registry will help protect pets from convicted animal abusers

Cleveland, OH - Cuyahoga County’s newly created Animal Abuse Registry is now available on the Sheriff Department’s Website. Individuals convicted of felony animal abuse in Cuyahoga County will be listed on the registry, and are prohibited from purchasing, adopting, or harboring a companion animal within the county. The registry is a tool for law enforcement, animal shelters, humane societies, dog kennels, animal rescue agencies, pet stores, and others who seek to ensure all pets are placed in safe and caring homes. The registry can be found at the following address: sheriff.cuyahogacounty.us/AnimalAbuseRegistry.

The Animal Abuse Registry was created pursuant to Cuyahoga County Ordinance No. O2016-0013, which was introduced by County Councilmember Sunny Simon, and was co-sponsored by Councilmembers Anthony Hairston, Dale Miller, and Michael Gallagher. The ordinance was approved by County Council on January 24, 2017. The Ordinance was originally introduced following the enactment of Ohio House Bill 60, more commonly known as “Dick Goddard’s Law,” which made certain types of previously existing animal cruelty crimes felony offenses.

Councilmember Sunny Simon stated: “This registry will protect animals from the most heinous animal abusers in our county. I thank my council colleagues, Sheriff Pinkney, Administrator Naticchioni, and the dedicated county staff who helped make this registry a reality.”

Mindy Naticchioni, Animal Shelter Administrator, stated: “We are incredibly thankful to Councilwoman Simon and other members of County Council for making this registry available to the animal community. This tool will help aide animal organizations in placing pets in safe and loving homes.”

The Animal Abuse Registry is managed by the Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Department.