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HD 1192

An Act relative to establishing an animal abuse registry

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Steven Howitt

Establishes public animal abuse registry requiring convicted offenders to register and update contact information, similar to sex offender registries.

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Bill Summary · HD 1192

Legislative bill overview

HD 1192 would establish a publicly accessible registry of individuals convicted of animal abuse offenses in Massachusetts. The registry would function similarly to sex offender registries, requiring registered individuals to provide identifying information and notify authorities of address changes. The bill aims to create a centralized database to track and monitor people with documented histories of animal cruelty.

Why is this important

Animal abuse is increasingly recognized as both a welfare concern and a public safety issue, as research links animal cruelty to other violent crimes. A registry could help animal shelters, rescuers, and pet owners make informed decisions and prevent repeat offenders from acquiring animals. However, implementation raises significant questions about effectiveness, privacy protections, and fair application across different conviction types.

Potential points of contention

  • Constitutional and privacy concerns: Public registries may face legal challenges regarding due process, privacy rights, and whether animal abuse convictions warrant the same level of public disclosure as sex offenses
  • Scope ambiguity: The bill's definition of which offenses qualify (misdemeanor vs. felony, severity levels) and how long individuals remain listed are unclear and could significantly impact who gets registered
  • Practical effectiveness: Questions about whether a registry meaningfully prevents abuse versus imposing collateral consequences on people who have served their sentences, and whether resources would be better spent on enforcement and prosecution

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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