Animals deserve better protection under the law against individuals with a history of abuse. In North Carolina, the current animal rights laws are shockingly lenient, making it almost impossible to identify convicted animal abusers before they can adopt again. Without better measures, these abusers can walk into animal shelters and pet stores, adopt innocent animals, and subject them to immense cruelty.

One such measure, Dexter’s Law, would bring about the creation of a publicly accessible registry of animal abusers in North Carolina. Animal shelters, pet stores, and private citizens would be able to access this registry before allowing an adoption. This would be the first step in ensuring the safety of animals throughout the state. Currently, similar laws have been implemented in New York State, Dexter’s Law specifically in Florida, and they have shown promising results in curbing animal abuse by limiting access to potential victims.

We need a clear and actionable solution now. Implementing Dexter’s Law in North Carolina would drastically reduce the potential for repeated animal abuse by ensuring that convicted criminals cannot harm another helpless animal. It is our responsibility as a community of animal lovers to push for stronger protections for those who cannot speak for themselves.

Please join me in advocating for stronger animal protection laws to give these innocent creatures the protection they deserve. We must act to ensure that convicted abusers are stopped from owning animals, and Dexter’s Law can be the framework needed to make this a reality.

Sign this petition today to show your support for bringing Dexter's Law to North Carolina and making our state a safer place for all animals.