A bill requiring an online registry of people who abuse dogs or cats passed the Tennessee House of Representatives on Monday.
HB0147, sponsored by Nashville Rep. Darren Jernigan, would create a Tennessee Bureau of Investigation registry of people who are convicted of aggravated cruelty to animals, animal fighting or a criminal offense against animals.
Under the bill, the TBI would post that list on a website dedicated to those convicted of serious crimes against companion animals. For the first conviction, the person’s picture would be posted and remain on the website for two years. If convicted of a second offense the length of time would expand to five years.
The bill has already passed the Senate and now moves on to Governor Bill Haslam’s desk.