NASHVILLE, Tenn. – People convicted of cruelty to animals would have to register with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and be tracked like sex offenders if two proposed bills become law.
Senate Bill 1590, and its House companion, Bill 1743, would establish the "Tennessee Animal Abuser Registry."
Anyone convicted of aggravated animal cruelty to animals, felony animal fighting or bestiality would be required to register with the state and be tracked for 10 years.
The law would also apply to offenders who move into Tennessee from other states and countries.
A similar bill passed the state Senate in 2008, but failed to become law.
"We are in constant need and we are constantly trying to strengthen our laws," Scotlund Haisley, President of Animal Rescue Corps, said.
ARC rescued more than 120 dogs and seven birds from a suspected puppy mill in Warren County March 29.
"Extreme matting, nails over growing, emaciated dogs, dogs covered in their own feces and urine," Haisley said of the dogs' condition.
"We have removed these animals from the property but there is nothing stopping this puppy miller from doing this again," he continued.
Warren County's District Attorney has not charged the dogs' owner but told Nashville's News 2 that animal cruelty charges are possible.
Under the proposed law, if the owner were convicted of animal cruelty she would have to register anytime she moved, started a new job, started practicing a vocation or became a student.
The registry would be available online much like Tennessee's sex offender, meth offender and abuse registries.
Haisley said cracking down on animal cruelty could help save lives.
"History shows that some of the people who have created the most horrific acts of violence against people have started with animals," he said. "When their animal abuse begins as a child or adult you should be very concerned that other violent crimes could follow."
If the bill becomes law, it would take effect July 1.
A hearing is set for Tuesday, April 5 to determine custody of the dogs in ARC's care.
If a judge awards custody of the dogs to ARC, adoptions for the animals could begin within one week.
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