AMHERST, N.Y. -- Pistol permit holders had the chance today to make sure their gun ownership never becomes public.
The Erie County Auto Bureau held special hours this morning to allow permit holders to fill out an opt-out form. It's a provision of the New York SAFE ACT and will help prevent situations like in Westchester County, where a newspaper published a map of the county's hand gun owners.
There are more than 70,000 permit holders in Erie County alone. Some of those who filled out the paperwork say they think the state's tougher laws punish those who actually follow the rules.
"It doesn't do anything for the criminal, but it's always anti-something against the person that is licensed and legal," said participant Duane Ford.
Forms are available at all auto bureaus, the pistol permit office and online at the county clerk's website. Permit holders have 60 days to opt out.