INDIANAPOLIS — An effort to create a statewide registry of animal abusers has failed this session.
State Senator J.D. Ford, D-Indianapolis, filed House Bill 432, which would have established an electronic animal abuse registry.
The bill was assigned to the Senate Judiciary Committee but did not receive a hearing.
Another lawmaker’s bill, Senate Bill 36, was amended to become a felony registry bill which would have included anyone that committed felony animal abuse.
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However, Senate Bill 36 died in the House.
Ford filed the legislation as a way to prevent animal abusers from adopting animals or buying dogs or cats from a breeder.
The database would have contained 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.”
