Bill > H3682

This bill establishes the Massachusetts Animal Abuse Registry, managed by the Department of Criminal Justice Information Services, to track individuals convicted of animal abuse crimes, defined as any crime against an animal under specific sections of the General Laws or comparable statutes in other states. Those convicted of such crimes, aged 14 or older, must register within 10 days of conviction or release from incarceration, providing personal information, a photograph, details of the offense, and paying an annual $50 fee, with registration information kept for five years, or longer for repeat offenders. Failure to register, update information, or pay fees results in penalties, and individuals convicted of a second animal abuse crime will have their information permanently stored on the registry, with escalating penalties for subsequent offenses. Furthermore, registered animal abusers are prohibited from purchasing, owning, or holding positions of responsibility over animals, and animal shelters, breeders, and pet stores must check the registry before allowing adoptions, purchases, or employment involving animals, facing penalties for non-compliance.