HARRISBURG — Legislation sponsored by Senator Dan Laughlin (R-49) to establish a statewide animal abuser registry advanced from the Senate Judiciary Committee today. Senate Bill 1311, known as Aimee’s Law, now heads to the full Senate for consideration.
The bill is named for a six-month-old husky found abandoned in a crate beneath a bridge in Erie during bitterly cold weather. She was severely underweight, covered in filth and suffering from frostbite on all four paws. At first, responders thought she might already be dead. The ANNA Shelter, which facilitated her rescue, named her Aimee after the police dispatcher who handled the original call. Despite their efforts to save her, Aimee did not survive.
“Aimee’s story shook our community, and people have not forgotten her,” Laughlin said. “Constituents have repeatedly contacted my office to ask about this bill and when Pennsylvania will take action. The response to Aimee’s Law has been overwhelming because people want to know that a case this disturbing will lead to meaningful change.”
Under Senate Bill 1311, the Pennsylvania State Police would maintain a publicly accessible registry of individuals convicted of specified animal abuse offenses. The registry would include a photograph and identifying information so individuals can be accurately identified. An individual would generally remain listed for two years after a first conviction and five years after a subsequent conviction.
Laughlin said the measure is intended to give the public information about serious animal abuse convictions and strengthen accountability for those who harm animals.
“Animals depend on people to protect them, and the cruelty Aimee suffered is difficult to comprehend,” Laughlin said. “Her case made clear why we need to take this issue seriously. I’m grateful to the constituents, animal advocates and rescuers who have continued to speak up and ask us to move this bill forward.”
Laughlin thanked members of the Judiciary Committee for their support and said he will continue working to bring the measure to a vote before the full Senate.
“Aimee cannot be saved, but we can honor her by doing everything we can to prevent another animal from suffering the way she did,” Laughlin said.
CONTACT: Chris Carroll | Phone: 814-453-2515