Every year, countless animals suffer at the hands of abusers with neglect and irresponsible breeders who operate with little to no oversight. Many of these individuals continue their harmful behavior because there is no national system to track and restrict them from owning, purchasing, or breeding animals again.

We, the undersigned, urge lawmakers and federal authorities to create a National Animal Abuse & Breeding Registry—a publicly accessible database modeled after the sex offender registry. This registry would list individuals convicted of:

• Animal cruelty and abuse (physical harm, torture, intentional neglect)
• Severe hoarding resulting in animal suffering or death
• Operation of unlicensed breeding facilities (“puppy mills” and similar)
• Selling or breeding animals outside of lawful, regulated channels

Why This Is Urgent:

• Without a centralized system, abusers can move to new areas and easily obtain more animals.
• Unregulated and underground breeding perpetuates animal suffering, overpopulation, and the burden on shelters and rescues.
• Responsible breeders and pet owners are overshadowed by unethical individuals exploiting animals for profit.

Our Proposal:

1. Mandatory National Registry for all convicted animal abusers and those found guilty of operating unlicensed breeding facilities.
2. Prohibition on Animal Ownership for a set period—or permanently in severe cases—for individuals listed in the registry.
3. Strict Federal Breeding Licenses requiring background checks, regular inspections, veterinary oversight, and proof of humane conditions.
4. Severe Penalties for breeding without a license or failing to comply with registry restrictions.

By creating this registry and strengthening breeding regulations, the United States can take a decisive stand against animal cruelty, ensure accountability, and protect vulnerable animals from repeat harm.

Animals cannot speak for themselves—this law would speak for them.
We call on Congress, the Department of Justice, and all relevant federal agencies to act immediately to make this registry a reality.