Our dogs are not just “pets.” They are an integral part of our family dynamic and society overall. They love us unconditionally no matter what the circumstances are, good or bad, our dogs are always there for us.

Over the summer two families, one family on vacation and the other on their honeymoon, received the phone call no dog owner wants or should receive. Their dogs had died under the care and supervision of a boarding kennel. I was contacted by one of the dogs’ owners who told me of Phoebe’s tragic death and that she was not the only dog who had died at this one kennel.

The Commonwealth has a duty to protect our animals from abuse and enable the community to have information to prevent abusers from continuing to purchase, board or adopt animals. My legislation would require individuals convicted of an animal abuse crime to register their personal information and the offense for which they were convicted for a period of 15 years, annually renewing their registration. Each county sheriff would be responsible for maintaining a local registry and forwarding all information to the Pennsylvania State Police to maintain a publicly accessible central registry.

Please join me in co-sponsoring this legislation to ensure that people convicted of animal abuse won’t be able to continue harming our furry friends and that deaths like Phoebe’s can be prevented.