TAMPA, Fla. - Hillsborough County Commissioners voted to approve the creation of the Hillsborough County Animal Abuser Registry.
The registry will prevent anyone convicted of abusing animals from adopting or acquiring animals. Convicted offenders also will not be allowed to own or live in the same home or even the same property of a service animal without a court order.
Those adopting out pets, including shelters and retailers, must also require the adopter to sign an affidavit saying they are not on the registry. "This Registry not only protects animals, but it can identify -- and maybe even prevent -- violence against humans, too. I'm very proud of the new law," said Commissioner Kevin Beckner.
The registry will be effective November 1 and will be available to the public.