To the Members of the Pennsylvania Senate Judiciary Committee,

In order to protect domesticated animals, we must take action to keep animals out of the hands of those with a history of abuse.  Recently, in Shamokin, PA, a tragic incident occurred where two individuals set their attack-trained dogs to hunt and kill a neighbor's cat in broad daylight on the city streets.  Thankfully, the incident was caught on video and those two individuals are facing felony charges.  The problem is that they have had legal issues with animals in the past.  Yet, since Pennsylvania does not have a statewide registry of animal abusers, these individuals were able to procure more dogs and continue their criminal behavior.

Pennsylvania law only allows a prohibition of animal ownership "not to exceed the statutory maximum term of imprisonment applicable to the offense for which sentence is being imposed."  It also does not mandate that the sentencing judge impose this restriction.  There is a bill, SB 527, stuck in the PA Senate Judiciary Committee, which would create and self-fund an animal abuse registry, both on a state and county (local) level.  This Registry could prevent animals from falling into the wrong hands, to those who only wish to train them to fight or use them as bait.  It would provide an outlet for those selling/trading animals on social media sites, to reference and provide some confidence that the animal is going to a loving and safe environment.

This registry is similar in structure and definition (time limits and grading) to the Megan's Law registry that helps keep our children safe.  Don't our animals deserve the same consideration?

Please pass this bill out of committee and on to the full Senate Floor before this session expires!