Animal Abuse Registry (H 6624, S 2701)

We opposed legislation 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 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. National organizations such as the ASPCA and the American Kennel Club have further opposed these registries due to their ineffectiveness. Positively, this bill died in committee in both the House and the Senate.