ARIZONA, USA — Arizona lawmakers want to stop animal abusers from re-offending by publicizing their information online.
Animal abuse registries are popping up across the country, but if Senate Bill 1072 passes, it would be the first of its kind in Arizona.
“This is kind of like another way to protect animals and humans from an animal abuser,” Debra Nolen said.
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Nolen brought her passion for pets to the state capitol. First, working with lawmakers to pass the Samaritan Hot Car Law. Now, wanting to ensure convicted animal abusers don’t get a chance to do it again.
“If I can help at least put people on the radar that weren’t on the radar, than what’s the harm in that?” Nolen said.
Her desire to create an animal abuse registry is now in the hands of Arizona lawmakers.
SB 1072 would require anyone found guilty of cruelty to animals, animal fighting or bestiality to be added to a statewide registry.
Similar to a sex offender registry, the list would include a photo, name and address.
“This bill is post-conviction sentencing bill,” Nolen said. “It’s entirely up to the court who makes it on this list.”
The bill would prohibit people from intentionally selling, gifting, adopting out or transferring a pet to a person on the list.
“They would have to check the list to double check that they’re not re-rescuing a dog to an abuser on the list,” Nolen said.
While a registry won’t stop all abuse, Nolen said she’s hoping it would keep pets from being put back into dangerous hands.
“We have good abuse law, animal abuse law, and this is just one more step to hold people accountable for being abusive.” Nolen said.
If passed, the Arizona Department of Public Safety would manage the registry. It wouldn’t begin until 2025.
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