Animal Abusers May Face Public Scrutiny

Those who abuse animals should never have access to more animals to abuse.

That is the goal of a proposal before the Massachusetts Legislature that would subject animal abusers to similar scrutiny as sex offenders are constantly under.

The proposal calls for an animal abusers registry, and would require all convicted of mistreating animals to register on the list. The registry would not be open to the public but would be available to pet stores, shelters and animal breeders so they know who not to give a pet.

The state Department of Criminal Justice would maintain a computerized list, which would include the animal abuser’s name, address and photo, and the date and a description of the crime for which registration is required. Convicts would remain on the list for five years, and be required to check in annually, or any time they change address.

The bill, which is scheduled for a hearing in the Legislature Wednesday, is not the first of its kind. Tennessee passed the law earlier this year, and the legislation is pending in several other states.