PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) – A Rhode Island lawmaker has re-introduced a bill to create a statewide animal abuser registry.
Democratic Rep. Arthur Corvese’s bill would create a registry to prevent people with a history of mistreating animals from owning more animals.
Convicted abusers would have to pay $125 to register or face jail time and up to a $1,000 fine.
Similar legislation has stalled in the past.
Michael DiLauro with the state public defender’s office spoke against the bill Tuesday, saying registries give the public a “false sense of security.”
DiLauro also cited the cost involved, something that Corvese says he is working to convince the state House Finance Committee is a worthy cause.
Joe Warzycha with the state Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals says officials should look into stricter penalties.
