Should animal abusers have to register like sex offenders do?

Well, according to one US Senator, the answer is YES!

Pushing for legislation that would require known animal abusers to register with the police, like sex offenders do, California Sen. Dean Florez (D-Shafter) announced a bill that would do just that.   If adopted, the statewide list would create the nation’s first comprehensive criminal registry for animal abusers.

Written with the aid of the Animal Legal Defense Fund, any person convicted of a felony involving animal cruelty would be required to register with the police and provide an array of personal information along with a current photograph. The information, along with the registrant’s specific offense, would be posted online, similar to the limited listings that can currently be found on other sites, like Pet-Abuse.com.

According to The New York Times article, “The registry would list people convicted of crimes including acts of violence (torture, mutilation, intentional killing, etc.), sexual abuse and animal fighting as well as neglect, including hoarding. Such a registry could help protect animals, pet guardians and communities by discouraging repeat offenses by anyone with an established history of abusing animals and alerting the public to the presence of the offender.”  I don’t know about you, but as a pet, this is the kind of stuff I’d like to know.  And, I’m sure my parents would to.  The thought of living near an abuser would have me shaking in my dog shoes!  That’s why Mittens and I hope this one gets passed, first in California and then the world!

Not only will this help protect pets, but it might help protect people, too!  We all recognize that people who do bad things to animals might also do bad things to people, and this list might serve as an early warning system for other crimes.  But, either way, parents will know if there’s someone dangerous in the neighborhood and can take steps to protect us.

Senator Florez…we salute you!

This is such an intriguing issue, we’d love to hear what you think about this proposed legislation.  Bark back with your comments!