Admitted Dog Killer To Become First Member Of Animal Abuse Registry

Related reporting: Borrello Says He's Happy Animal Abuse Registry Is Taking Hold

MAYVILLE – Robert Overton, Jr., of Jamestown, will become the first member of the Chautauqua County Animal Abuse Registry upon the conclusion of his incarceration.

Overton, Jr., who admitted to killing his pit bull during an exclusive interview with WNYNewsNow last April, plead guilty to a charge of aggravated animal cruelty (Class-E felony) last Friday in Chautauqua County Court.

Overton, Jr. was committed to serving one year, minus credit for time served, in Chautauqua County Jail, in accordance with New York State’s Agricultural and Markets Law.

Overton, Jr. will be sentenced officially at a later date.

According to Chautauqua County law, he must register with the animal abuse registry within five days of his release.

The Animal Abuse Law states that Overton, Jr. will remain on the registry for 15 years. A subsequent conviction would place him on the registry for life.

The law prohibits the transfer of animal ownership to a person on the registry, and offenders are not allowed to possess, own, adopt, or purchase an animal.

Prior to the sale, exchange or other transfer of ownership of any animal, the Animal Shelter, Pet Seller or other person or entity is required to examine the Animal Abuser Registry to confirm that the name of the potential owner of the animal is not listed.