Connecticut House Bill HB05978

Connecticut 2017 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/19/17
• Refer: 1/19/17

Caption

An Act Establishing An Animal Cruelty Offender Registry.

Impact

The establishment of this registry can have significant implications for the state’s approach to animal welfare and the prosecution of animal cruelty cases. By requiring breeders and sellers of cats and dogs to consult the registry before any sale or transfer, the bill provides a legal framework that empowers individuals and businesses to legally refuse transactions with known offenders. This could lead to decreased incidents of animal abuse as it promotes awareness and accountability among individuals involved in animal breeding and sales.

Summary

House Bill 05978 aims to establish an Animal Cruelty Offender Registry in the state. This registry will be administered by the Judicial Department and is intended to provide a comprehensive database of individuals convicted of animal cruelty offenses. The registry will serve a dual purpose: to facilitate law enforcement access to information regarding animal abusers and to help prevent further incidents of animal abuse by deterring potential offenders through increased accountability. The bill proposes that first-time offenders' information will be kept for two years, while repeat offenders will have their details maintained for five years.

Contention

Although the bill has notable support due to its potential to protect animals, opposition may arise concerning privacy issues for convicted offenders. Critics might argue that maintaining a public database could lead to unnecessary stigma against individuals who have served their sentences. Additionally, questions may be raised about how effectively the registry would be monitored and enforced, and whether the proposed amendments to existing laws sufficiently address these concerns.