Chautauqua County lawmakers unanimously passed a local law Wednesday night creating an animal abuse registry.

The measure is in response to a recent rash of feral cat poisonings and the hanging of a pit bull in Jamestown. As part of the measure, people convicted of an animal-related crime will remain on the list for 15 years and be prohibited from purchasing future animals.

In addition, the registry is open to the public as neighbors will be able to see if anyone on the list lives in their area. The Chautauqua County Sheriff's Office consulted with law enforcement in Niagara County, where a registry was established in 2015, complete with 27 names.

"I do think that it's inevitable that we will have a state registry at some point. It seems as though it's catching on and I think that's good news," said Patrick Weidel, Niagara County Sheriff’s Office chief deputy.

"This is a real situation now. The people of Chautauqua County and this legislature are concerned about giving voice to animals that have no voice for themselves," said George Borrello, (R) Chautauqua County executive.

A public hearing on Chautauqua County's law is set for May 14 in Mayville.