A Yonkers council member is working to expand a local law that bans convicted animal abusers from owning pets.

Tasha Diaz says the Maximus Law, named after a dog abused on Ridge Avenue in Yonkers, requires anyone convicted of animal abuse in the city to register and permanently lose the right to own a pet. She says the law passed unanimously with help from city lawyers.

Diaz says the goal is to protect vulnerable pets and seniors, who often can't speak for themselves. She now wants to expand the law countywide and eventually statewide.

"It makes me feel great because I was able to advocate for someone that doesn't have a voice," Diaz said.