N.J. animal abusers could soon be named in online registry

A new bill would roll out a digital public database of animal abusers in New Jersey, a report says.

The Democratic Assemblyman Troy Singleton from Burlington County, who sponsored the bill, told The Wall Street Journal the site would list those convicted or held liable in an animal cruelty case.

The proposed bill would be similar to the sex-offenders requirement, Megan's Law, and set up as part of New Jersey Department of Health.

 

Just Pups case: 134 counts of animal cruelty

Just Pups case: 134 counts of animal cruelty

Puppies allegedly left in cold van, covered with feces

 

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, PETA, has pushed for such legislation over the last few years. Only one other state has adopted the registry. 

Tennessee launched its site earlier this year, and currently displays two men's conviction details along with their photo, address and date of birth. 

But the state notes in a disclaimer: "The TBI does not independently verify the convictions, and cannot guarantee their accuracy. Therefore, this information should be regarded as a resource suggesting the need for further inquiry."

The database has drawn interest from lawmakers in a handful of other states, including Chicago, Massachusetts, New York and Pennsylvania.

In 2014, Gov. Chris Christie refused to sign a similar bill, according to the WSJ.

 

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