Source: Click Orlando
Florida lawmakers are considering SB 494, a bill that would create a public animal abuse registry to prevent convicted animal abusers from owning pets. Sponsored by State Sen. Tom Leek (R-Ormond Beach), the registry would be maintained by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and list individuals convicted of animal cruelty offenses, such as neglect, overworking animals, mutilation, and inhumane entertainment practices.
The bill builds on Ponce’s Law (2018), which increased penalties for animal abuse and gave judges the authority to ban offenders from pet ownership. Named after Ponce, a Labrador retriever fatally beaten in 2017, the law also enhanced sentencing guidelines to make jail time more likely for abusers. If passed, SB 494 would provide shelters and breeders with a screening tool to ensure pets go to safe homes. The bill is currently under Senate committee review and, if approved, will take effect July 1. A House version has also been introduced.