Animal cruelty laws across the 50 states vary from strict penalties to barely existent. Illinois is ranked as the number 1 state with the best animal cruelty laws, and is a leader in animal care legislation. However, why stop there? Illinois can better advance animal cruelty laws and become a role model state by adopting the one thing which all states lack in this field, an animal abuse registry.

 Everyday hundreds of animals die at the hands of abusive and negligent owners. It's also no secret that studies have found a correlation between animal abuse and violence towards humans. Many states have sex offender registries to protect people from these harmful individuals, and the same should be done in order to protect innocent animals.   Recently a heartbreaking animal cruelty story of "Puppy Doe" has made national news in Quincy MA. Due to this horrific torture, Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr of MA filed a bill entiled PAWS (Protecting Animal Welfare and Safety Act) that would create a statewide registry of convicted animal abusers, increase fines and require background checks. But they aren't the only state, New York has passed a bill to create an animal abuse registry as well. Please tell Illinois Senators and Representatives it is time to take action and create a bill similiar to PAWS ! If for whatever reason, the PAWS bill cannot be duplicated for Illinois, we ask that you at least pass the state animal abuse registry. Lets be the voice for those who can't speak for themselves, and let the state of Illinois lead the way for the rest of this country!