HARRISBURG — Legislation sponsored by state Sen. Dan Laughlin, R-49, that would establish a statewide registry for people convicted of certain animal abuse offenses has advanced from the Senate Judiciary Committee.
Senate Bill 1311, known as Aimee’s Law, was considered by the Judiciary Committee on Sept. 29 and now moves to the full Senate for consideration.
The bill is named for Aimee, a six-month-old husky found abandoned in a crate beneath a bridge in Erie during extremely cold weather. According to Laughlin’s office, the dog was severely underweight, covered in filth and suffering from frostbite on all four paws. The ANNA Shelter assisted with her rescue, but Aimee later died.
Under the proposed legislation, the Pennsylvania State Police would maintain a publicly accessible registry of individuals convicted of specified animal abuse offenses. The registry would include a photograph and identifying information.
An individual would generally remain on the registry for two years following a first conviction and five years following a subsequent conviction.
Laughlin said the legislation is intended to provide the public with information about serious animal abuse convictions and increase accountability for those convicted of harming animals.
The measure now awaits consideration by the full Senate.
Discover more from UC Today Online
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
