NC S423

Creates a publicly accessible online registry maintained by the North Carolina Department of Public Safety listing persons convicted of animal abuse offenses beginning January 1, 2020, including booking photographs, full legal names, and identifying data (excluding Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, and federal identification numbers).

Requires court clerks to forward copies of judgments and dates of birth for all animal abuse convictions to the Department within 60 calendar days of judgment.

Persons with a first animal abuse conviction remain on the registry for two years following conviction; subsequent convictions result in five-year registry listings, with removal occurring if no additional convictions are made during those periods.

Prohibits persons convicted of repeat animal abuse violations from owning any animal for up to five years from the date of conviction and requires forfeiture of all animals currently owned.

Exempts lawful activities including biomedical research, livestock production, food provision, veterinary care, animal destruction for public safety, livestock alterations for breed standards, and wildlife management from registry requirements.