Animal cruelty is on the rise in Ohio. It's heartbreaking to witness and hear about the increasing number of animals suffering from abuse and neglect. Although the establishment of Goddard's Law marked a significant victory in Ohio by imposing tougher penalties on animal abusers, the current provisions are not enough to fully protect innocent animals from repeat offenders.

Animals deserve safety and protection against cruelty, and it's our responsibility to ensure they receive just that. Recent studies and reports have shown a disturbing increase in animal cruelty cases statewide. According to the Ohio Animal Welfare Federation, reported cases of abuse have risen by 15% over the past year alone. This worrying trend demands swift and decisive action.

One practical solution to combat and deter this rise in cruel behavior is to introduce a state registry for individuals convicted under Goddard's Law. This registry would be a vital tool in protecting animals by prohibiting these individuals from owning animals in the future. By keeping track of those who have been convicted of past cruelty, we can prevent them from causing further harm.

A registry listing all animal abusers convicted under Goddard's Law will serve multiple purposes: it will act as a strong deterrent, discourage repeat offenses, and help enforcement agencies and pet adoption centers vet potential pet owners effectively. Law enforcement officials across various states in the U.S., where similar registries have been implemented, report significant reductions in repeat offenses, proving the effectiveness of this measure.

Empowering law enforcement with this tool will not only protect animals but also send a clear message that Ohioans will not tolerate cruelty towards animals. It's time for Ohio to step up and take this additional measure to safeguard its animals.

Please join me in urging our state legislators to act now for the voiceless victims of cruelty. Sign this petition to introduce a State Animal Abuser Registry in Ohio.