Federal lawmakers propose national animal abuser registry
Published: May 31, 2026 at 11:18 PM EDT
WASHINGTON D.C., Fla. (WCJB) - A Sarasota representative is sponsoring federal legislation that would create a nationwide animal abuser registry, similar to Molly’s Law in Marion County.
The LEASH Act, proposed by U.S. Rep Greg Steube (R-FL) would order every state to create a public database naming everyone convicted on felony animal abuse charges.
In a press release about the LEASH Act, Steube noted Dexter’s Law, which created Florida’s database in January 2026. That bill was partially inspired by Molly’s Law, which refers to a local ordinance in Marion County.
RELATED: Marion County woman behind “Molly’s Law” ‘ecstatic’ as statewide iteration created
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