An animal abuser registry could be in the works in Missouri under a new bill.
If it passes, the Highway Patrol would set up a website listing anyone convicted of animal cruelty, dog fighting or cockfighting.
The bill is known as the “Missouri Animal Abuser Registration Act.”
The registry would show the person’s name, photo and any other important information.
Those in support of the bill say it could help link animal and domestic violence cases. The director of the Victim Center in Springfield says it could connect the dots between violence to animals and physical and sexual abuse to people.
Those against it, like the ASPCA say it would do little to actually protect animals or people.
The ASPCA released a statement saying while it appreciates the efforts, the registry might have unintended consequences.
