Abusing a helpless animal is often viewed as one of the lowest and cruelest things a person can do. Legislators in California are working on putting together something entirely new to combat against offenders who have caused harm to animals, an animal-abuser registry. The way the animal-abuser registry would work is very similar to how the sex offender registry works in that it will keep a public list of known and convicted abusers of animals. California was the first state to adopt the sex offender registry and is now looking to be the first for the animal-abuser registry.
A recent article from Time magazine reported about the pull for the abuser list. The main goal of the animal-abuser registry would be to allow animal adoption agencies and shelters access to a list of people they should restrict from adopting pets.
Aside from reporting about people who maim and kill animals, the bill would also help to publicly report those who have taken part in animal-fighting rings and people who have the tendency to hoard multiple animals in unsanitary conditions. Proponents of the registry also claim the registry will help law enforcement detect people who may have the tendency to harm others since abusing animals can be a precursor to violence to humans.
Animal abusers may think twice about harming their pets if they know they could one day be added to a list of offenders for all the world to see. Authors of the bill are hopeful that it will pass, but they may have to get creative in order to find a way to fund the registry in the failing economy.
What do you think of the idea of having an animal-abuser registry?
Is this something you would like to see in your state some day?
I think this is a fantastic idea for all of the reasons mentioned. I would live to see every state adopt this registry.
msfriendly::
on Mar 19, 2010
I agree that this should be in every state. It's about time someone thought of this...great idea.
nathrach2::
on Mar 19, 2010
It's a nice plan but I don't see how it would truly work. Look at the sex offender registration - that doesn't even work! And what would it really do - people would be put on a list but would it prevent them from adopting an animal from a private individual? It might from a pound or shelter but I see ads on Craigslist and in the local paper ... See Moreevery day for people wanting to give away animals - are THEY now supposed to check the list before giving their dog or cat to a potential adoptee? It's a wishful idea but it's a waste of tax dollars in my opinion.
Gwenlane74::
on Mar 19, 2010
I think that is a fabulous idea! Why hasnt that been brought up before? These people who do this to animals are the lowest species of mammal and they deserve to be tagged with their shame for life.
dtownraleighgirl::
on Mar 21, 2010
nathrach2, what do you mean the sex offender registry doesn't work? Of course it hasn't prevented all sex offenders from offending again or getting jobs they shouldn't have, it would be impossible for it to do so-nothing works absolutely. If that's how you think then maybe we should close down all the prisons, b/c the threat of prison time and being branded a felon hasn't kept people from committing crimes.
The sex offender registry has made communities aware of sex offenders in their area so they can better protect themselves and it has prevented many, many sex from getting jobs where they may be putting the public at risk.
Yes an animal abuser registry will not solve the problem all together, but it is definitely a start. As for private adoptions, I don't think those people will be forced to check the list, but it might be nice to have the option.
nataliya::
on Mar 22, 2010
I think this is a great idea and I hope it gets enforced in every state!
linda_answer::
on Mar 22, 2010
I love this idea. As an avid animal lover and pet owner I give this a big thumps up! If even a few pets can be helped it will be worth it. I have adopted formerly abused animals, and think that animal abusers are scum and cowards! Also some continue on to become abusers to humans. Making it a little harder for these scumbags to get ahold of a pet is sure worth it to me!
SiLvEr-StArS::
on Mar 22, 2010
I'm a Hugh Animal Lover, And I'm so againist people abusing/hurting this Poor animals.The sick cold hearted people should be punished big time. But It's Awesome idea, Im all for it, Every state should do this also.
MadHatter::
on Mar 23, 2010
i would like this very much. i dislike it when people abuse animals/pets to the point of death. I own 2 dogs and they were from abused households before we took them in. they should have tougher laws on animal abusers. they time they do in jail is like a slap on the wrist!
dovpur::
on Mar 24, 2010
This is a wonderful idea. I hope to see it happen in every single state!
