[New York Times]
Responding to growing evidence that
people who abuse animals often go on to attack humans, states are increasing the
penalties for animal cruelty and developing better methods for tracking
convicted offenders.
State lawmakers are paying especially close
attention to animal hoarders — people who keep large numbers of pets without
providing for their most basic needs — because these offenders are prone to
recidivism and can cost counties huge sums for cleanup costs and the care of
rescued animals.
At least 27 states now allow courts to bar convicted
animal abusers from owning or coming into contact with pets, nearly double the
number from a decade ago, and 3 other states are considering similar measures
this year. Tennessee and California are considering bills to create online
registries of animal abusers.
--
full story:
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/18/us/18animal.html
