NASHVILLE, Tenn. – House Bill 147, which creates an online registry of people who abuse dogs or cats, has been passed in Tennessee.
This is the first bill of its kind in the country.
The Humane Society of Clarksville-Montgomery County shared the news on their Facebook page Thursday.
Tennessee Bureau of Investigation will post a list of people convicted of aggravated cruelty to animals, animal fighting or a criminal offense against an animal.
For the first conviction, the person’s picture will be posted and remain on the website for two years. If convicted of a second offense, the picture will stay on the site for five years.
TBI’s website says the registry is currently under construction. It will be active January 1, 2016.
“Pet owners will now be able to look online to see if neighbors could be a potential threat to their animals,” the Humane Society said.