Bill > H1764

This bill establishes a Massachusetts Animal Abuse Registry that requires individuals convicted of animal abuse crimes to register with the Department of Criminal Justice Information Services for a period of five years following their conviction or release from incarceration. Registered individuals must provide personal information including name, residential address, offense details, and a photograph, and pay an annual $50 fee. The registry will be confidential but accessible to animal shelters, pet stores, and animal breeders, who are legally required to check the registry before offering an animal to any potential adopter or purchaser. Individuals who fail to register, update their information, or provide false information can face significant penalties, including imprisonment ranging from six months to five years and fines up to $5,000, depending on the number of offenses. The law applies to anyone 18 years or older (or minors tried as adults) convicted of animal abuse crimes in Massachusetts or who moves to Massachusetts after such a conviction. Registered individuals may appeal their registration status by requesting a court review to determine their potential risk of reoffending. The primary goal of this registry is to prevent individuals with a history of animal abuse from obtaining new animals and to track and monitor such offenders.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H1764