Pennsylvania would post animal cruelty convictions and require registry checks

The Pennsylvania State Police would keep and post a public online registry with identifying information about covered people. The registry would cover people convicted of aggravated cruelty to animals under 18 Pa.C.S. § 5534. The registry could include a booking photo, full legal name, and other identifying details, but not Social Security, driver's license, or other government identification numbers. A conviction would count even if an appeal or habeas case is pending. Posting would begin January 1, 2027. The registry would include convictions entered on or after this section takes effect.

The Pennsylvania State Police would keep a person's information on the registry for set periods, and a judge could order a longer listing or an animal ownership ban. These periods and possible court orders would apply to people listed for an animal abuse offense. After a first conviction, the person would be removed after two years if not convicted of another animal abuse offense during that period. After a later conviction, removal would follow five years without another such conviction. Based on the offense's severity, a judge could order more than five years on the registry or a lifetime ban on owning animals. The State Police would remove a person's information if the offense is expunged. The two-year period runs from the first conviction date; the five-year period runs from the most recent conviction date.

People handling a live animal sale, transfer, or adoption would have to check the registry and get signed confirmation from the prospective owner and the person handling the transaction. These rules would apply to any live animal sold, transferred, or adopted in Pennsylvania. The person handling the transaction could not sell, transfer, or allow an adoption to a prospective owner listed on the registry. Transfers and adoptions would count whether or not a fee is charged. A person who transfers an animal to someone listed or fails to check would commit a summary offense. Penalties include a fine of at least $500, up to 90 days in jail, or both; a third or later offense would also permanently revoke specified Dog Law licenses. The check and signed document would be required before the transaction is completed.