Politics & Government

Proposed Registry Would Keep Animal Abusers from Owning Pets

Likened to Megan's Law, the registry would require that offenders notify officials of their crimes against animals.

Should people who abuse animals carry that stigma with them for years? A new piece of legislation would ensure that they do.

House Bill 265 would create a centralized, searchable database of people who have abused animals in Pennsylvania.

Similar to Megan’s Law, the registry would require animal abusers to register with their county sherifs, and renew those registrations once a year for 15 years. Failure to register would constitute a third-degree felony, according to the specifics of HB 265. Also similar to Megan’s Law, people would be able to search to see if animal abusers live in their neighborhoods.

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Animal abusers would be prohibited from owning any pets during that 15-year period.

The legislation is sponsored by Rep. Harry Readshaw, D-Allegheny.

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What do you think about an animal abuse registry? Tell us in the comments below.


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