Alabama is ranked 49th in the nation for animal protection laws and it’s time for change!

I am a concerned citizen of Alabama and a current Auburn University student. Like so many people in this state, I care deeply about protecting animals from abuse. Right now, Alabama punishes animal cruelty, but once a case is over, there is nothing stopping a convicted abuser from adopting or buying another pet. Shelters and rescues have no easy way to check someone’s history. Innocent animals are put back in harm’s way because of this loophole. The truth is, Alabama is ranked 49th out of 50 states for animal protection laws. That puts us near the very bottom nationwide when it comes to keeping animals safe. Other states have already taken steps toward offender registries and stronger protections, but Alabama is falling behind. Research shows that animal abuse is rarely a one-time mistake. About 85 percent of people arrested for animal cruelty already had prior arrests, and nearly 70 percent had prior felonies. Without a registry, these repeat offenders remain invisible to shelters and rescues.

An Animal Abuse Offender Registry Act would:

• Create a statewide registry of convicted abusers


• Help shelters and rescues screen adopters


• Prevent repeat offenders from slipping through the cracks


• Protect Alabama’s communities and the animals we love.

 Alabama has an opportunity to do better. By passing this Act, we can take a meaningful step to protect animals, support shelters, and make our state safer and more compassionate. Please join me in calling on the Alabama Legislature to pass this Act and on Governor Kay Ivey to sign it into law. With enough voices, we can finally close this gap and protect animals across Alabama.