Legislative Updates & Background
The Animal Legal Defense Fund drafted and added an "Offender Registration and Community Notification" section to ALDF’s model laws collection in 2001. It was based on the statutory equivalents, that all state have since adopted, dubbed "Megan's Laws" that deal with sex offenders. Since then a number of jurisdictions have followed this model concept introducing legislation to accomplish this goal with respect to animal abusers:
| 2013: |
Arizona SB 1161 |
| 2012: | Arizona HB 2310 Colorado HB12-1087 Florida SB 618 Maryland SB 301 Michigan HB 5402 Michigan HB 5403 New Jersey SB 580 New Jersey SB 1505 New Jersey A 1933 Westchester County, New York Chapter 680 (enacted October 21, 2012) New York SB 6875 New York SB 2015 Tennessee HB 3483 Tennessee SB 3149 |
| 2011: | Alabama HB 225 Connecticut HB 5013 Connecticut HB 5185 Connecticut SB 871 Connecticut HB 5362 Connecticut HB 5396 Florida SB 618 Hawaii SB 266 Hawaii SB 839 Hawaii HB 361 Hawaii HB 644 Maine LD 760 (HP 567) Massachusetts H 2228 Massachusetts S 876 Nevada AB 118 New Hampshire HB 526 New York A 1766* New York A 1506 / S 3804 New York A 0299 / S 2015 New York A 5373 New York S 3971* Albany County, New York No. K-2011 [Enacted]†† Rockland County, New York No. 9234 [Enacted]† Ulster County, New York No. 3 Oregon HB 2742 Pennsylvania SB 921 Rhode Island SB 141 South Carolina S 226 Tennessee HB 1743 / SB 1590 Texas SB 779 [Passed Senate] Vermont S 41 Virginia HB 1930 Washington SB 5144 / HB 1800 |
| 2010: | California SB 1277 Louisiana HB 201 New Jersey S 2018 / A 3082 New Jersey S 2049 / A 2917 New Jersey S 2253 / A 1817 New York A 10387 New York A 10998 New York A 11217 Pennsylvania HB 2441 Rhode Island H 7768 Suffolk County, New York No.1879-2010 [Enacted]** |
| 2009: | New York A 6684 / S 4328* Tennessee HB 385 / SB 182 |
| 2008: | New Jersey A 3552 Tennessee SB 2676 / HB 2803 [Passed Senate] |
| 2007: | Rhode Island H 5767 / S 0524 |
| 2005: | Rhode Island H 5433 |
| 2004: | Rhode Island H 7789 |
| 2003: | Rhode Island H 5817 |
| 2002: | Colorado SB 02-048 |
| 2001: | “Offender Registry and Community Notification” model law drafted by the Animal Legal Defense Fund – first-of-its-kind in the nation. |
* Establishes an animal abuse crime database which would include the names of offenders.
** First jurisdiction in the nation to enact an abuser registry (10-12-10). Companion legislation (No. 1952-2010) would prohibit animal shelters & pet dealers from adopting or selling animals to those on the abuser registry.
† Second jurisdiction in the nation to enact an abuser registry (5-17-11). The law also prohibits pet dealers from selling animals to those on the abuser registry.
†† Third jurisdiction in the nation to enact an abuser registry (10-11-11). The law also requires anyone selling, offering for adoption, or otherwise transferring animals to check the registry to ensure that the potential owner is not listed on it.
On October 12, 2010, Suffolk County, New York, became the first jurisdiction in the world to enact an animal abuser registry. On May 17, 2011, New York's Rockland County animal abuser registry proposal was approved by a unanimous vote. On October 11, 2011, Albany County, New York, became the third jurisdiction to approve a registry. The time is ripe for other counties and states to enact similar legislation.
Legislators seeking additional information should contact the Animal Legal Defense Fund at: legislation@aldf.org.
ALDF’s Abuser Registry Model Law
"Offender
Registration and Community Notification" PDF Download
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“I’m extremely proud that Suffolk County has established the nation's first animal abuser registry and I applaud the ALDF for all their pioneering hard work on this important issue over the years. As was the case with my landmark bills that prohibited the use of hand-held cell phones while driving and banned the sale of the deadly dietary supplement ephedra, I hope that states across America will use our success as the impetus to enact similar laws. A society is judged by the way it treats those who are most vulnerable, and the creation of this registry sends a strong message that all of God's creatures deserve protection from torture and abuse.” Majority Leader Jon Cooper, Lloyd Harbor, New York |
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“We operate shelters in the hopes of giving abandoned pets a second
chance at a loving home, not subjecting them to lives of continued
abuse and neglect. A registry of abusers would help
ensure animals are not being adopted out to convicted abusers, end the
cycle of abuse and increase the likelihood of finding these pets the
forever home they deserve.” Former Senator Dean Florez, 16th District, California |
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"I am proud to author House Bill 201, which will put Louisiana at the forefront of notifying citizens throughout the State of the whereabouts of convicted animal abusers. The goal of the legislation is to prevent future animal abuse and help encourage residents to remain vigilant of their neighbors." Representative Walker Hines, 95th District, Louisiana |
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“I was very proud to lead the first initiative for public registries for animal abusers in the nation. I encourage all other states to pass similar laws to expose the very serious offense of animal abuse.” Representative Peter Lewiss, 37th District, Rhode Island (1998-2008) |
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"There are so many things that need to be changed about how animals
are viewed and treated by some people, the issues just keep coming up.
Last year we were able to pass our Commercial Breeder Act of 2009
regrettably because there were so many puppy mills found in our state. The need for an Animal Abuser Registry is so very much needed not only to protect animals but to protect our citizens. Everyone should know if there is an animal abuser in their community not only to protect our animals, but to also protect our children. It is a proven fact that many serial killers started out abusing animals. Also, it is important to know if there is someone in your neighborhood that fights animals not only to protect their animals but also to protect our children because at any animal fight, you will find drugs, gambling and regrettably often children are present." Representative Janis Sontany, 53rd District, Tennessee |
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Where Are The Animal Abusers In Your Community?
View or download the 8.5" x 11" PDF of this poster. |
