ERIE – Senator Dan Laughlin (R-49) today announced his intent to introduce legislation known as “Aimee’s Law”, which would create a publicly accessible registry of individuals convicted of felony animal abuse offenses.
The legislation is inspired by a tragic case in Erie County, where a six-month-old Siberian husky puppy, later named Aimee, was found abandoned in a crate in freezing temperatures. Despite efforts by local rescuers and animal welfare organizations, Aimee did not survive. Authorities have arrested two individuals in connection with her abandonment and abuse.
“This heartbreaking case shows the urgent need for stronger accountability for those who commit cruel acts against animals,” said Senator Laughlin. “No animal should suffer as Aimee did. Aimee’s Law will give communities a tool to prevent repeat offenses and protect both animals and the people around them.”
Under Aimee’s Law, anyone convicted of felony animal cruelty or aggravated cruelty to animals would be required to be placed on a publicly accessible registry, similar to Megan’s Law. The registry would increase transparency, help law enforcement track repeat offenders, and support enforcement of existing penalties for egregious animal abuse.
Research shows that a history of animal abuse can correlate with other violent behavior, highlighting the public safety benefits of such a registry.
“Animals can’t speak for themselves,” Laughlin added. “A publicly searchable registry gives families, neighbors, and authorities a critical tool to recognize dangerous patterns and prevent future tragedies. Aimee’s death should not be in vain.”
Senator Laughlin points to recent efforts in other states as models. In 2025, the Florida Legislature passed Dexter’s Law, which strengthens penalties for aggravated animal cruelty and established a public, searchable database of individuals convicted of animal cruelty offenses.
“States like Florida have shown that this approach works,” Laughlin said. “Aimee’s Law will fill an urgent gap in Pennsylvania’s laws, hold offenders accountable, and protect our communities and our pets.”
Senator Laughlin encourages the public and animal welfare advocates to support Aimee’s Law as it moves through the legislative process.
CONTACT:
Chris Carroll | Phone: 814-453-2515