A registry of animal abusers is coming to Oneida County.

The Board of Legislators passed a resolution Wednesday to create the registry, while also prohibiting offenders from owning animals. It’s designed to provide information to shelters and sellers before allowing an individual to purchase or adopt a pet.

But it can help the public report an offender who unlawfully owns an animal.

"If you know that there's someone on the registry, and it just happens it's let's say your neighbor, and then you see your neighbor with an animal or pet, then obviously you're going to know that person can't have an animal,” said Oneida County Sheriff Robert Maciol. “In turn, make a call to police and from there we investigate and they'd be charged with violating that section of law."

The Sheriff’s Department will be overseeing the registry. A link to the list will be provided on their website.

If an animal abuse offender is found in possession of an animal, they will be charged with a misdemeanor.

Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente says that while this legislation was in the works before a controversial video inside a Utica animal rescue went viral, the county is eyeing a further resolution to address regulations for animal shelters.