Legislation would create animal abuser directory
SPRINGFIELD — An Illinois lawmaker has introduced legislation that’d create a list of people who’ve been convicted of animal cruelty charges.
The Springfield bureau of Lee Enterprises newspapers reported the legislation is aimed at protecting animals.
The measure is sponsored by Chicago Democrat Toni Berrios and would be similar to a state registry for sex offenders.
The database would track anyone who’s older than 18 who has been convicted of cruel treatment, aggravated cruelty or animal torture. It’d include their names, birth dates and addresses.
People on the list wouldn’t be allowed to own a pet or work with animals. They’d also have to notify authorities of a change of address. People wouldn’t be removed from the list until they’ve had psychiatric or psychological testing.