Every morning as I look at my dogs and my snake, I am reminded of the responsibility it takes to keep them not just alive, but thriving. Its not just food and water in a small pen, its the right humidity and space to run. This is truly caring for them, making sure they're not just surviving, but comfortable. When I see animals in tiny cages, kicked, waste not cleaned out, and little to no water or food, it's incredibly painful, and yet our government tells us this is legal. This doesn't have to happen. The crevasse between what is right and lawful is huge, frustrating me incredibly because this is entirely preventable.
That is why I'm pressing for a federally mandated, public-facing National Animal Abuser Registry. This registry would serve as a critical tool for shelters, veterinarians, breeders, charities, and the wider public to identify and prevent known offenders from continuing a cycle of abuse. By holding a list that publicly names those convicted of felony animal cruelty or neglect, we can stop they cycle of abuse that can be restarted just by moving. All persons convicted of felon animal cruelty or neglect will never be able to possess an animal again. Anyone selling or giving away animals would be required by law to consult the registry to ensure said person animal will belong to is not a previously recorded abuser or neglecter. Studies show that individuals who abuse animals are far more likely to repeat their offenses or even escalate to further violence. This registry would not only save countless animals from needless abuse but would bolster public safety as a whole.

In the United States, animals continue to suffer and their tormenters remain unchecked because there is no national system to track abusers. People move state to state, erasing their crimes completely and giving them a clean slate. A national registry would no longer allow this, tearing down the facade that offenders hide behind. 

We are no better than animals. We may be smarter, but that does not mean superior to them. They are just as deserving of life and love as we are. Sign this petition and we can stop these horrible people from hurting animals again.