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Bill

Bill

S 8084

Establishes an animal abuser registry

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Pete Harckham and 2 co-sponsors

Bill S 8084 creates a public registry for animal abusers, enhancing safety by restricting offenders from owning pets and aiding shelters in preventing harm.

REFERRED TO AGRICULTURE
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Bill Summary · S 8084

Summary of Bill S 8084: Establishes an Animal Abuser Registry

Purpose and Intent

Bill S 8084 aims to create a comprehensive registry of individuals convicted of animal abuse offenses. The primary intent of this legislation is to enhance public safety and protect animals by ensuring that those who have demonstrated a propensity for animal cruelty are monitored and restricted from owning or interacting with animals in the future.

Key Provisions

  • Establishment of the Registry: The bill mandates the creation of a centralized animal abuser registry that will be accessible to the public. This registry will include the names, photographs, and relevant details of individuals convicted of animal abuse.

  • Criteria for Inclusion: Individuals will be added to the registry following a conviction for specific animal abuse offenses, as defined by state law. The bill outlines the types of offenses that would qualify for inclusion, ensuring clarity on what constitutes animal abuse.

  • Duration of Registration: The bill specifies the duration for which individuals will remain on the registry, which may vary based on the severity of the offense.

  • Public Access: The registry will be available online, allowing potential pet adopters, shelters, and the general public to check the status of individuals regarding their history of animal abuse.

  • Penalties for Non-Compliance: The bill includes provisions for penalties against individuals who fail to comply with the registration requirements, ensuring accountability.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Animal Abusers: Individuals convicted of animal abuse will be directly affected as they will be required to register and will face restrictions on animal ownership.

  • Animal Shelters and Rescue Organizations: These entities will benefit from the registry as it will provide them with critical information to prevent placing animals in potentially harmful situations.

  • General Public: The public will have access to the registry, enhancing community awareness and safety regarding individuals with a history of animal abuse.

Procedural Aspects

  • Legislative Status: As of May 15, 2025, Bill S 8084 has been referred to the Agriculture Committee for further consideration.

  • Next Steps: The bill will undergo discussions and potential amendments within the committee before it can be brought to the floor for a vote.

Conclusion

Bill S 8084 represents a significant step towards protecting animals and enhancing public safety by establishing a formal registry for animal abusers. By making this information publicly accessible, the bill seeks to deter future offenses and promote responsible pet ownership within the community.

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

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