HB4971 - Animal Abuse Registry

• Department of Agriculture shall create and maintain a publicly accessible animal abuse registry indexed by name, date of birth, and address.

• Persons 18 years or older convicted of animal cruelty or torture offenses (Sections 3.01, 3.02, or 3.03 of the Humane Care for Animals Act) must register with the Department within 30 calendar days of conviction.

• Registrants must pay an annual $50 fee deposited into the new Animal Abuse Registry Fund, which funds the registry's establishment and maintenance.

• Persons on the registry are prohibited from owning companion animals or being employed at animal shelters, pounds, pet shops, zoos, or other businesses where companion animals are present.

• Registration continues annually until a court order removes the requirement, which can only occur after the registrant demonstrates through psychiatric or psychological testing their capability to humanely own and care for animals.