We, the undersigned, respectfully call upon our elected officials and lawmakers to establish a public Animal Abuse Registry for individuals convicted of animal cruelty offenses.

Animal cruelty is a serious issue that causes immense suffering to innocent animals and can have broader implications for public safety and community well-being. Studies have demonstrated a connection between acts of violence against animals and violence against people, making early intervention and accountability critically important.

An Animal Abuse Registry would:

- Provide greater transparency regarding individuals convicted of animal cruelty offenses.

- Help animal shelters, rescue organizations, breeders, and pet adoption agencies make informed decisions when placing animals into homes.

- Serve as a deterrent against future acts of abuse or neglect.

- Improve protections for vulnerable animals and support responsible pet ownership.

- Assist law enforcement and animal welfare agencies in monitoring repeat offenders.

We urge lawmakers to create legislation that would:

1. Establish a publicly accessible registry for individuals convicted of felony animal cruelty offenses and other serious acts of abuse or neglect.

2. Require offenders to register for an appropriate period following conviction.

3. Allow animal shelters, rescue organizations, breeders, and relevant agencies access to the registry for screening purposes.

4. Include penalties for failing to comply with registration requirements.

5. Protect due process rights by limiting inclusion on the registry to individuals who have been convicted in a court of law.

Animals depend on humans for their safety and care. Creating an Animal Abuse Registry would be an important step toward preventing future abuse and protecting animals in our communities.

We respectfully ask our legislators to support and enact this important measure.