From The Trussville Tribune staff reports
PROVIDENCE — The Rhode Island House of Representatives passed a bill to create a statewide animal abuse registry Thursday. One application of such a registry could be preventing animal abusers from owning animals.
According to ABC 33/40, Rhode Island Representative Arthur Corvese addressed the matter.
“People who have abused animals should not be allowed to own other animals,” said Corvese. “Pets are utterly defenseless, and allowing those who are known to abuse them to have more of them is subjecting those animals to an almost-certain fate of pain, suffering and perhaps death.”
Corvese called the bill “a common-sense measure,” said ABC 33/40.
“Besides protecting animals, a registry would provide assistance and peace of mind to the dedicated people who work to find homes for homeless animals,” said Corvese. “The last thing they want is to send a pet into the arms of an abuser, and this will give them a tool to avoid that situation.”
The registry would be available on the RI Attorney General’s website. Animal shelters and pet sellers would be required to consult the registry before completing the sale or adoption of any animal. Failure to comply could result in a fine of up to $1,000, according to ABC 33/40.
Convicted animal abusers would be required to sign onto the register within five days of release or conviction. The abuser would remain on the register for 15 years for first time offenders. Second time offenders would remain on the registry for life, said ABC 33/40.
The Senate will not receive the bill for approval.