Skip to main content

Should NH establish a registry for people convicted of animal cruelty?

Image
News Date
Body

A bill sponsored by Rep. David Cote, HB 594, would create a registry for adults convicted of animal cruelty offenses.

The registry would be modeled after the state’s sex offender registry. People over 18 convicted of animal abuse offenses in New Hampshire would be required to register annually with the state police. A version of the registry including name, photograph, and address would be available to the public.

The annual requirement would expire after fifteen years.

The rule would also apply to individuals convicted of animal cruelty offenses in other states, if they are going to be a resident in New Hampshire for more than 10 consecutive days.

Several municipalities have passed similar legislation, including New York City, as well as the state of Tennessee.

Supporters argue that the law would help protect other pet owners or operators of animal adoption programs from exposing animals to individuals likely to mistreat them. They also cite studies that link animal abuse with a propensity to commit acts of violence against other human beings.

Opponents express concerns about the cost of maintaining the registry. Others argue that as many animal abusers are mentally ill, the registry would unnecessarily shame individuals who would respond better to counseling and treatment.

Should NH establish a registry for convicted animal abusers? Leave a comment to join the discussion. 

UPDATE: Read our Citizen Voices℠ report and find out where New Hampshire stands on creating an animal cruelty registry.

Comments

Login or register to post comments

Thank you to our sponsors and donors