Convicted animal abusers can have pets in 35 states 

Convicted Animal Abusers Can Adopt Pets in 35 States. Stop Them Now!

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Dear friends, Did you know that in most U.S. states, a person could heinously abuse an animal and then go out and adopt a new one the next day? Even after being convicted of animal abuse, there is very little stopping that person from acquiring another animal in the future. That's why we are calling on every state that doesn't currently have a law preventing convicted abusers from adopting more animals to get one on the books immediately. This is not only a way to protect all animals. It is well known that there is a strong connection between animal cruelty, child abuse, domestic violence, and many other crimes. Only 15 states actually have any laws preventing known abusers from adopting animals. Of those, about half have a lower-limit on how long their prohibitions apply. In the rest of the states, the length of the ban is up to each individual judge. But we need every single state to ban abusers from adopting animals. Many states require mental health counseling for those convicted. That's helpful, but it's not enough in terms of keeping other animals safe. Some municipalities like New York City and Chicago have registries and don't allow abusers to adopt. But that doesn't stop abusers from just going to another county to get an animal — because there is no national registry. Many states have laws banning animal abuse, but the penalties are light and don't deter abusers from adopting and hurting fur companions again. We need real laws that prevent convicted abusers from getting their hands on beautiful, innocent animals. Thank you for all that you do,   Kelsey B. The Care2 Petitions Team P.S. A convicted animal abuser can adopt a pet in 35 U.S. states. Please sign my petition to ask the 35 states without laws preventing this to put them on the books immediately.