INDIANAPOLIS — State lawmakers are looking for a new way to prevent animal abusers from adopting animals or buying dogs or cats from a breeder.
State Senator J.D. Ford, D-Indianapolis, filed House Bill 432, which would establish an electronic animal abuse registry.
The database would contain information about people convicted of offenses against animals, such as animal abuse, neglect or cruelty.
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“Creating a comprehensive animal abuse registry is something I believe all Hoosiers could get behind,” Ford said. “Such a registry would help animal shelters and breeders keep animals out of the hands of convicted abusers, which continues to be a priority for animal advocates across the country. My bill is another step in our efforts to protect our animal populations.”
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The bill has been assigned to the Senate Judiciary Committee, and has not yet been scheduled for a hearing.
“Not only do we need to take animal cruelty seriously, but keeping an animal abuse registry would also help illuminate the link between animal abuse and violence towards humans. Intentional animal cruelty can be a sign of psychological distress and many times will identify individuals who are predisposed to committing acts of domestic violence,” Ford said.
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