Stricter Laws/Punishment for Animal Offenders

Recently, I read a story regarding a 23 year old Hilton Head SC man that received 2-5 years jail time on 3 counts of animal abuse/torture.  To me, and others like me, this punishment didn't seem harsh enough.  I discussed this matter with a few of my animal activist friends and proposed this idea.....if a database can be created where sex offenders must register for their crimes and be known to the public for what they are then why can't a similar database be created for animal offenders?  The same premise would apply, but with a few differences.  Once they are caught, tried and sentenced then they must register as an animal offender.  Their personal information, picture, crime and punishment go into the database.  It should be mandatory that the database be linked to every animal shelter, animal adoption agency, veterinarian's office/clinic, pet store and any other facility housing, selling or taking care of animals.  Once the offender is released back into the public, if they try to purchase/adopt an animal, their information would be run through the database.  If it comes back for ANY reason, the animal must be removed from their custody or presence and law officials should be contacted immediately.  Same applies at a vet's office, if this person is already in possession of an animal and takes it into a vet's office for care, the information should be run through the database.  Once again, if a "red flag" appears, the animal must be removed from the offender's custody and law officials contacted.  This would also apply to a pet store that sells pets.  If the offender moves into a neighborhood, then a letter should be mailed to the potential neighbors to warn them about the move and to keep their pets safe from the offender.  The offender is not allowed to petsit for any reason, talk to the neighbor that owns the pet or approach the pet.  Law officials can be called for these acts as well and should be considered a violation.  Granted, there will be loopholes such as people putting ads in the papers for free pets or people going out in the public to giveaway pets.  There will always be loopholes, but if we could do something to slow down animal cruelty/abuse/torture, then future generations of pets might have a better chance at true quality of life.  Our animals and our children are two of the most precious and most vulnerable things on this earth and it's our responsibility to take care of them and give them what they deserve......quality of life.  If lawmakers could understand that by putting a stop to animal cruelty there is a greater possibility of stopping future, more violent criminals such as sex offenders, pedophiles and even serial killers.  We must start with our local governments and work our way up to the Federal government.  We MUST pass stricter laws requiring harsher punishments for animal offenders.  Lawmakers must understand that animal cruelty is growing at an alarming rate and must be stopped!!!  Please sign this petition to get things moving in the right direction.  Our animals need your help and it all starts with you.  Thank you.