Charleston, West Virginia (AP) – West Virginia is considering the establishment of an animal abuse registry, joining six other states that already have similar measures in place. The registry would list the names of individuals with prior animal abuse history, creating more transparency for animal shelters and potential adopters.
The effort is being led by Del. Brandon Steele (R-Raleigh), who is reintroducing a bill during this year’s West Virginia Legislative Session to ensure the well-being of animals. If passed, the statewide registry would flag anyone with a history of mistreating animals.
Advocates of the bill, such as Kanawha County Humane Association Executive Director Bethany Hively, emphasize the importance of protecting domesticated animals, who rely on humans for their care and well-being. Animal cruelty cases are unfortunately not uncommon across West Virginia, and an abuse registry could provide a layer of protection for these vulnerable animals.
In addition to animal welfare, the establishment of an abuse registry could also have implications for law enforcement. According to Hively, there is a direct link between acts of cruelty against animals and acts of crime against humans. This is supported by a study that showed a high percentage of women in abusive relationships reported that their abuser also threatened or harmed their pets.
If adopted, the animal abuse registry could be a valuable tool for shelters and law enforcement, providing essential information to ensure the safety and well-being of animals. It’s a move that could have wider implications for animal welfare and the prevention of domestic abuse.