Bill > SB1311

This bill strengthens penalties for animal-related crimes by mandating—rather than simply allowing—judges to prohibit individuals convicted of animal offenses from owning, possessing, or caring for animals for a period up to the maximum prison term for their crime, while also requiring the Pennsylvania State Police to establish and maintain a publicly accessible online animal abuse registry. Under this legislation, individuals convicted of specific animal abuse offenses, such as animal cruelty, fighting, or sexual intercourse with an animal, must submit personal details and photographs to the State Police and remain on the registry for the duration of their court-ordered ownership ban. To help enforce these protections, anyone selling, transferring, or adopting out an animal (defined as dogs, cats, or equines) is legally required to check the registry beforehand and refuse the transaction if the prospective owner is listed, with intentional violations carrying fines, potential jail time, or the permanent revocation of commercial kennel licenses.