New Law Says Animal Abusers Will Finally Be Treated On The Same Level As Sex Offenders

Jun 26, 2018

Animal lovers have been given a reason for celebration. People who neglect or abuse animals will no longer avoid facing legal repercussions.

There are multiple states across the United States that are implementing a registry for animal offenders as we speak. The registry functions exactly like the sexual offenders registry. When people abuse animals, their names will be made public.

Tennessee is one state with such a policy. Other counties and states have been creating their policies, although they're being implemented on a smaller scale. In Tennessee, the state Bureau of Investigation is responsible for the updating and monitoring of the animal offender registry. For people who want access to the information, all they need to do is visit their local Bureau of Investigation department or county sheriff's office.

The animal offender registry is designed to reveal a culprit's name, date of birth, convicted offense, and the amount of time they will remain on the list.

Criminals won't remain on the list forever. Instead, the amount of time that their name is included will depend on the frequency with which they engage in abusive acts toward animals. First-time offenders will have their names listed for two years. Repeat offenders will have their name listed for seven years, or five years added to the original two years.

The first place to introduce the abuse registry was Suffolk County.

The legislator for the county, Jon Cooper, says that he believes that domestic violence and animal abuse have a strong correlation. For this reason, releasing the names of animal abusers is a way of protecting the public. Almost every serial killer began by torturing animals before they moved on to people.

We here at APost are happy that this law is finally in place. What about you? Do you think it's justified? Let us know, and show this article to your friends to spread the word!