With the Florida Legislature starting its regular session this week, two legislators showcased their proposal to create an animal abuse registry in the Sunshine State.
Last week, state Sen. Shevrin Jones, D-Miami Gardens, and state Rep. Kristen Arrington, D-Kissimmee, introduced the bills and they weighed in on them on Wednesday.
Representative Kristen Arrington (D-Kissimmee) introduced HB 1341, an Act to create a statewide Animal Abuser Registry. The companion legislation, SB 1806, was filed by Senator Shevrin Jones (D-Miami Gardens).
“As an animal lover and dog owner, I am pleased to work with Representative Arrington as she takes the lead on this great bill,” said Jones. “This registry will help keep animals out of the hands of abusers, because no convicted animal abuser should be allowed to own or live with animals.”
“This bill will place restrictions on a convicted animal abuser to own, adopt, live with or work with animals,” said Arrington. “This registry will help identify these individuals and prevent needless suffering and save the lives of countless animals.”
Jones’ bill was sent to the Judiciary and the Appropriations Committee and the Appropriations Subcommittee on Criminal and Civil Justice. Arrington’s bill had not been assigned to any committees as of Thursday.
