Animal Abuser Registry Act passes Tennessee House of Representatives

Nashville, TN – A bill requiring an on-line registry of people who abuse dogs or cats passed the Tennessee House of Representatives last week.

HB 0147, sponsored by Nashville Representative Darren Jernigan, would create a Tennessee Bureau of Investigation registry of people who are convicted of aggravated cruelty to animals, animal fighting or a criminal offense against animals.

For the first conviction, the person’s picture would be posted and remain on the website for two years. If convicted of a second offense the length of time would expand to 5 years.

The bill has already passed the Senate and now moves on to Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam’s desk.