Bullying and breeder proposals await Hein action

The fate of a law that would make cyberbullying by minors a criminal offense and of another that would regulate pet sellers in Ulster County now rests with County Executive Michael Hein.

Although the Hein administration declined to say Tuesday what actions the executive would take, the fact that he proposed both measures makes it likely he will approve them.

No one from the public attended public hearings on the bills held Tuesday by the Hein administration, however during the hearing on the cyberbullying law, Legislator Jennifer Schwartz Berky explained why she voted against the measure in March.

Berky, D-Kingston, said she is concerned that those who are most effected by bullying might not benefit from the law and that, in fact, it could result in targeting those it seeks to protect.

“I think we need to spend more time looking at cyberbullying education and prevention,” she said.

The cyberbullying law would make it a crime for a person to, with the intent to intimidate, harass or otherwise harm another, electronically transmit information they know will inflict emotional harm such as private sexual information, revealing photographs or false sexual information about another; or knowingly appropriate the name or likeness of another.

Violators under the age of 16 would be adjudicated as juvenile delinquents and prosecuted in Family Court. Violators over the age of 16 would charged with a misdemeanor. A first-time offender could be sentenced to probation for the crime; repeat offenders could face jail time.

The pet breeders law, intended to keep puppy mills out of the county, requires breeders to obtain a permit and comply with minimum standards of care. Following an outcry by residential breeders in the county, a provision was included to recognize, and reduce, the regulation of people who breed animals that live in the home, rather than a kennel, and sell fewer than 15 animals per year. They would be subject to inspection only if a complaint against them is made.

Deputy County Executive Ken Crannell said the executive is reviewing the bills, which were amended in the Legislature.

“We’ll be weighing in with his decision in the near future,” Crannell said, adding the executive was “gratified” the Legislature passed the measures.

Hein must act on the measures by April 21.