GREENEVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Tennessee is the first state in the country to release a registry that includes the names of people convicted of having intentionally abused animals.
Tennessee’s registry went live on January 1, but currently contains no names. Only abusers convicted in 2016 and after will be listed there.
Anyone can access the online registry, see a picture of the offender, and learn the offender's age and where the offender lives.
The Tennessee House of Representatives and Senate passed legislation in May to allow the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation to create the website.
State Sen. Richard Briggs, R-Knoxville, a co-sponsor of the bill, said he thinks he it will be a strong deterrent against animal abuse.
The registry consists of those convicted of aggravated animal cruelty, or felony animal fighting. First-time offenders will spend two years on the registry, while a second offense makes it five.