Don't Mess With Texas [Animals]!!!

Here in Austin there have recently been discussions about a Texas Animal Abuse Registry. Everyone has heard of the Sex Offender Registry; this is similar in concept, only this list is for those convicted for crimes against animals. It would list their name, address, and details of their crime. A photo of the offender would also be posted.

Here is how the proposed database would work: after a felony conviction of animal abuse, offenders 17 and up would be required to register. Much like a probation or parole officer, they would report to local law enforcement each year. If they are convicted more than once, they would be required to report to local law enforcement every 3 months.

Sounds good, right? But here's the catch - not all offenders would qualify to be on the registry. The registry would only apply to felony cases; in some counties, animal abuse is considered a class C misdemeanor.

It's not perfect, but I think it's a great idea.  Who wouldn't want to know if they were living next door to someone who had been convicted of animal abuse?  I've said it before and I will say it again:  they cannot speak for themselves; it's up to us to be advocates for the animals.  The deserve the right to protection as much as any human [and certainly more than any of the humans who are convicted of crimes against animals].  The horrors of animal abuse aside, it's common knowledge that many people who abuse animals later move on to crimes against humans.  A list like this could possibly help us catch some of these offenders before they take the life of another human being.

I want to know what YOU think about this bill! Great idea, or waste of taxpayer dollars? Let us know what you think and why in the comments below.

Click here for more information about the bill, if you are interested.