Animals have little defense and protection unless people like you and I take a step in speaking out with their well-being in mind. Iowa is one of those states that has issues with animal abuse, according to the Animal Legal Defense Fund (ALDF). Some concerns are cruelty of animals in the farming industry, dog fighting, neglect and abandonment. Read more on this and other concerns at http://www.iowastatedaily.com/opinion/article_34672488-7e3e-11e5-8f2d-57d1458de4bd.html
Several states have moved forward with creating an animal cruelty registry as a means of protecting these defenseless animals from cruelty, abuse and neglect. As the idea of such a database is taking traction across our nation, the hope is to encourage Iowa to follow suit in this crucial endeavor. A registry to protect animals would be similar in stature to that of a sex offender’s database, requiring anyone convicted of animal cruelty crimes be registered with all pertinent personal information, kept updated on a regular basis. This data would then be shared with breeders, shelters, pet shops and all others within the animal and pet industry.
My effort in this petition is to encourage Iowa State Legislators to implement and strictly enforce an animal cruelty registry database and take a stand in protecting defenseless animals statewide. Animal cruelty is a significant concern statewide and their penalties for animal abuse convictions lack strength. Once a convicted animal abuser is registered on the database, they will be banned from any future animal or pet ownership, care of or working with them for a lifetime. This is the only way that we can all take a stand to protect defenseless animals. You can help in this endeavor by signing and sharing this petition, adding your own thoughts and comments.
Iowa State Legislators – I strongly encourage you to implement and strictly enforce an animal cruelty registry as a means of protecting defenseless animals statewide. Such a registry to protect animals would be similar in stature to that of a sex offender’s database, requiring anyone convicted of animal cruelty crimes be registered with all pertinent personal information, kept updated on a regular basis. This data would then be shared with breeders, shelters, pet shops and all others within the animal and pet industry. Additionally, anyone on the registry should receive a lifetime ban from ever owning, caring or working with animals. This is the only way to protect these animals and be their voice.
