Animal Abuse Registry (H 5113)

We opposed this bill which would have created an “animal abuse registry” similar to the registration requirements already in effect for persons convicted of sex offenses. Like other bills which would impose onerous registration burdens and establish broad community notification requirements, this registry would be costly, undermine rehabilitation of offenders, subject individuals to severe criminal penalties for failing to follow proper registration requirements, and would promote the harassment of ex-offenders seeking to reintegrate into the community. Although national organizations such as the ASPCA and the American Kennel Club also oppose ineffective animal abuse registries, this bill passed on the House floor and recently out of committee in the Senate. Thankfully the Senate ultimately killed the bill, voting it down 22-8.