Lawmakers push to create registry of those convicted of animal cruelty

A bipartisan bill that would prevent animals from being sold to or adopted by people who have been convicted of animal abuse has been filed in the Florida House of Representatives.

The bill (HB 871) is sponsored by South Florida Democrat Jared Moskowitz and David Richardson and Spring Hill Republican Blaise Ingoglia. It would create a publicly accessible animal abuse registry listing those convicted of felony crimes relating to animal cruelty. Under the legislation, pet dealers, animal shelters, and humane organizations would not be allowed to sell or allow animals to be adopted until they have verified that the person acquiring the animal is not on the animal abuse offender list.

Last year, Tennessee became the first state to adopt a state-wide animal abuser registry. According to the National Anti-Vivisection Society, nine other states are contemplating similar legislation in 2017.

“People who have been convicted of animal abuse shouldn’t be sold more animals,”said Moskowitz. “Making this data available as a resource to pet dealers is a commonsense and transparent solution that ensures the safety of Florida’s animals.”

“Today, Representative Moskowitz, Representative Richardson, and I are pleased to file HB 871 in an effort to reduce the sales of pets to individuals who have been convicted of animal abuse,” said Ingoglia. “The creation of an animal abuse registry will work similar to the sexual offender registry in that it will empower pet dealers and adoption agencies in knowing their customer.”

“We look forward to widespread bipartisan support for legislation that will reduce the level of cruelty and abuse of animals in the state of Florida,” declared Richardson. “After speaking with many constituents about these issues we recognize the significant value of moving forward with reforms. I look forward to working on this legislation with my colleagues.”