Aimee was a six-month-old Siberian husky puppy. She was found abandoned in a crate in freezing temperatures in Erie County, Pennsylvania. She did not survive.
Two people were arrested in connection with her abandonment and abuse. But here is what keeps me up at night: under current Pennsylvania law, a person convicted of felony animal cruelty can walk into a shelter, answer an online ad, or call a breeder and get another animal. No one is required to check.
Senate Bill 1311, known as Aimee's Law, would change that. It would create a public registry, maintained by the Pennsylvania State Police, of people convicted of specified animal abuse offenses, including photos, identifying information, and details of any court-ordered bans on owning animals. Anyone selling, transferring, or offering dogs, cats, or horses for adoption would have to check the registry and refuse to place an animal with someone listed.
The Pennsylvania Senate has passed Aimee's Law. Now it sits with the House. Senator Dan Laughlin, the bill's sponsor, has asked the House to take it up and finish the job, and I am asking the same.
I'm Eric, and I run I Love Every Dog. I have seen how hard rescues and shelters work to find safe homes, and a registry gives them a simple tool to protect the animals in their care.
I am asking Pennsylvania House Speaker Joanna McClinton to bring Senate Bill 1311 to the House floor for a vote, and I am asking every member of the House to vote yes. Please sign and share so Aimee's story leads to a law that protects the next puppy.
