An Act relative to establishing an animal abuse registry

This bill creates a Massachusetts Animal Abuse Registry for individuals convicted of animal cruelty crimes under Chapter 272, Sections 77-81. It requires offenders (18+ or minors tried as adults) to register within 10 days of conviction or release, providing their name, address, crime details, and photo, with a $50 annual fee. Animal shelters, pet stores, and breeders must check the registry before selling or adopting animals and face fines up to $5,000 for failing to do so. The registry remains confidential except for these permitted businesses, and offenders may appeal to a District Court to be removed if deemed low risk.