Animal Abuse Registry

A New York county last month became the first in the nation to create an
animal-abuser registry (pdf).

People convicted of mistreating animals in Suffolk County must register
their names, addresses and photographs for five years and pay an annual fee
of $50 to fund the humane society that will maintain the registry on a
searchable website.

A companion law is being written to require pet stores, animal shelters and
breeders to check the registry before relinquishing pets.

The national Animal Legal Defense Fund lauded the law, noting that animal
abusers often repeat their crimes and go on to harm people.

In Ohio, Cleveland Animal Protective League Director Sharon Harvey said,
"Hopefully, we can get the ball rolling here." Summit County Council
President Jon Poda said he is researching the issue.

Donna J. Miller, Plain Dealer reporter

A group effort at registering abusers, against their will, is at 911AnimalAbuse.com

For the cats,

Carole Baskin, CEO of Big Cat Rescue
an Educational Sanctuary home
to more than 100 big cats
12802 Easy Street Tampa, FL 33625
813.493.4564 fax 885.4457
Carole.Baskin@BigCatRescue.org
http://www.BigCatRescue.org

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