Tennessee has launched an online registry of those convicted of animal abuse anywhere in that state. The registry represents the nation’s first database to list information about convicted animal abusers on a statewide basis.

In May 2015 Tennessee lawmakers passed HB 0147 and its twin bill SB 120 establishing the Tennessee Animal Abuser Registration Act, which authorized the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) to establish and maintain a website containing the photos, names, and addresses of those convicted of animal cruelty crimes in that state. The measure became effective on Jan. 1.

Under the new law, information for the database will be provided by court clerks who are required forward copies of judgments along with convicted offenders’ dates of birth to the TBI within 21 calendar days after the judgment is entered.

“The clerks have been informed about the change in Tennessee law and are already accustomed to sending the proper information to TBI,” said Josh DeVine, TBI public information officer