ITHACA, NY (607NewsNow) — An animal abuse registry is a step closer to reality. 

The Tompkins County Legislature voted last night to schedule a public hearing for the registry, which follows similar laws created in Steuben County and Cayuga County.

District Attorney Matt Van Houten says he sees a lot of cases. 

Adoption of a local law has been a frequent topic of discussion for Tompkins County’s Public Safety Committee, Chairman Travis Brooks said.

Legislators unanimously agreed on setting Oct. 6 as the date for a public hearing on adopting an animal abuse registry.