“Rocky’s Law” was signed in NY by Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus. The bill aggressively protects animals, and will create a registry that is designed to prevent any convicted abusers from owning animals. The bill is named after a Staffordshire terrier that was forced to be euthanized after it was left outside in freezing temperatures and snow for five weeks while his owner went on vacation. The bill was introduced by county lawmaker Mike Anagnostakis, who was sickened by many instances of animal abuse, which is sadly rampant throughout Texas. 

This law will be one of the toughest in the nation and creates an ANIMAL ABUSE REGISTRY that will prevent the abusers of animals from owning one, and create a means of punishment, which is currently missing in Texas. NY has made Rocky's Law self-funding via the fees registered offender are required to pay. Under the law, anyone convicted of animal abuse in the county must register with the Sheriff's Office within five days of being convicted or released from incarceration, or be subject to a misdemeanor charge, punishable by up to a year in jail and a maximum fine of $2,000. The registry will include names and photos of abusers. Abusers cannot own an animal while on the registry. Anyone selling or giving an animal to an individual on the registry will face a maximum fine of $5,000.

I commend the passage of this bill, and encourage Texas counties to pursue an animal abuse registry. Additionally, studies have shown that people who abuse animals are five times more likely to commit violent crimes against humans. The FBI has found that a history of cruelty to animals is one of the traits that regularly appear in its computer records of serial rapists and murderers. The standard diagnostic and treatment manual for psychiatric and emotional disorders lists cruelty to animals as a diagnostic criterion for conduct disorders. Protect not only our animals but our people.

Please sign this petition and let our voices be heard to enact a similar bill in Texas. There have been countless instances where animals were abused or died because of the actions of their owner, who faced little consequences. This law was designed to take a harsher stance on those who abuse, and attempt to prevent the cycle from continuing.