People who abuse animals are among the most vile of criminals, but for the most part, the law doesn't agree. In fact, animal abusers are typically given a slap on the wrist. In most places, they are free to adopt animals, even after a conviction. It's almost impossible to prevent them from buying or going through private adoptions. San Francisco and Suffolk County, NY are doing something about it.
The San Francisco Animal Welfare Commission is in the process of discussing a proposal that will allow tracking of animal abusers, negligent pet owners and other people that have been involved in criminal cases which involve animals. The database will be open to rescue groups and to other animal adoption groups. The pet adoption agency would be able to review the case and make their own determination as to whether they will let the person go home with a pet. Abusers would not be prevented from adopting dogs from private individuals or from purchasing dogs.
Last year, the state of California considered a similar bill, one which would have required convicted-felon animal abusers to register with the state. The bill was tabled because of the cost, which was projected to be $2 million. Animal Care and Control doesn't have a cost estimate for the San Francisco proposal.
Currently, the city's largest adoption centers have records of pet offenders, but they are not coordinated between various groups. "We do reserve the right to refuse adoption to anyone," Animal Care and Control spokeswoman Rebecca Katz said.
In Suffolk County, NY, they are preparing to go a bit further. They are modeling their new law after the Megan's Law sex offender database. All information would be available to the general public.
Read more at the San Francisco Examiner: http://www.sfexaminer.com/local/2011/04/animal-abusers-face-pet-adoption-blockade#ixzz1JXh4LX8h
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