In today’s Parade section is an article that caught my attention – “A New Plan to Stop Animal Abuse”.
The following caught my eye:
” A bill before the California legislature would require adults convicted of felony animal abuse to register with local law enforcement; their names would be placed in a database similar to the national sex offenders’ registry. Tennessee, Louisiana, and New York are also considering animal-abuse registries.”
It is a fact that people who commit cruel acts against animals are more prone to commit crimes against people. Many serial killers began their crimes against people in such a manner.
“According the article, the registry would include people convicted of maiming, mutiliating, torturing or killing animals as well as hoarders and operators of animal-fighting rings.”
I think it’s a fantastic idea. We’re not talking about simple offenses against animals. We’re talking about serious and heinous crimes against animals.
However there is opposition and some don’t believe that animal abuse and child abuse should be handled in the same manner because the two types of offenses aren’t comparable.
Would you like to know if your neighbor on your street has committed animal cruelty? Wouldn’t you like to know particularly if you have pets? I sure would. I believe I should have a right to know if a criminal like this lives near me. And think about that same person sexually abusing a child or loved one of yours. These type of people are weak because they have to prey on those they can control. Why else would they hurt defenseless animals or children? They are unable to be powerful in the rest of their lives so they choose to inflict power/abuse over their victims.
Unfortunately at this time Pennsylvania is not considering an animal-abuse registry. If this passes in California and I hope it does……perhaps it could be the start of something great.
Your thoughts?