Oct. 9, 2026, 5:10 a.m. ET
The Pennsylvania Senate passed a bill known as Aimee’s Law to create a statewide animal abuser registry.The proposed law was inspired by the death of a husky named Aimee from an animal cruelty case in Erie.If passed, the publicly accessible registry would prevent convicted abusers from obtaining more animals.The bill now heads to the Pennsylvania House for consideration before it can be signed into law.
Aimee’s Law, a proposal to create a statewide animal abuser registry, is heading to the Pennsylvania House after being passed by the state Senate.
On Oct. 6, the Pennsylvania Senate approved Senate Bill 1311, known as Aimee’s Law, sponsored by state Sen. Dan Laughlin, R-49th Dist., which aims to establish a statewide animal abuser registry that would help prevent convicted abusers from obtaining more animals.
Laughlin’s office says the proposed publicly accessible registry would be maintained by Pennsylvania State Police and include photographs, identifying information and information about court-ordered prohibitions on animal ownership. People selling, transferring or offering dogs, cats or horses for adoption would have to check the registry and refuse placement with someone listed.
“This is pretty straightforward, we’re trying to protect people’s pets from abuse,” Laughlin said. “This bill will help accomplish that and will put bad people who abuse animals on a public registry. So if your neighbor is a pet abuser, then you will know it.”
Laughlin acknowledged that this bill won’t protect every animal from abuse, but he said he hopes it raises awareness and strengthens existing animal protection laws.
“I know it’s not perfect or will protect every animal as there are people out there who get away with crimes, but I think it’s at least a step in the right direction and adds teeth to the existing laws that we have that protect animals,” Laughlin said.
The bill passed the Pennsylvania Senate on a 33-17 vote. Laughlin said the 17 votes came from Democrats.
“I’m not sure what the issue was,” Laughlin said. “They seemed to have some technical issues with the bill. Quite frankly I think a lot of it was political.” The official bill page lists Democratic Sens. James Malone and Lisa Boscola among the bill’s co-sponsors.
More: Owners charged with aggravated cruelty as caged dog found in Erie diesErie husky inspired Aimee’s Law
Laughlin said that the legislation was inspired by an Erie animal cruelty case in early 2026.
On Jan. 19, a woman brought a nearly frozen husky to the Erie Police station claiming the dog was found in a cage under the Bayfront Connector bridge. The same woman, Tori Jackna, returned to the police station on Jan. 20 to confess that she made up the story and the dog had belonged to her and her boyfriend, Scott Bayle Jr., since August of 2025.
The couple was arraigned on Jan. 23 on a felony count of aggravated cruelty to animals, misdemeanor counts of cruelty to animals and animal neglect, and two summary charges.
Jackna was also charged with a misdemeanor count of false reports to law enforcement.
Jackna reportedly told police that caring for the dog was overwhelming and the husky was often left in a cage for excessive periods of time. Jackna said the dog was malnourished because she and Bayle were dealing with financial troubles and unable to buy dog food.
The cases against Jackna and Bayle remained pending in Erie County Court of Common Pleas as of Oct. 7.
“When we were working on this bill, it became evident how often these things occur,” Laughlin said. “A lot of times animals are abused arising from a domestic situation where if a husband and wife are getting divorced, quite often the family pet gets tangled in the scene… The types of people that abuse animals are much more likely to abuse women and kids and more. This will help with the animal abuse situation but could take a bite out of the domestic situation, too.”
What happened to Aimee the husky?
The husky, named Aimee, died on Jan. 23 at the A.N.N.A Shelter after the shelter provided emergency treatment and attempted to save her life.
“Like most people in the Erie area, I saw the news about the poor husky that was left to die in the subzero weather,” Laughlin said. “So I kept track of her treatment at the A.N.N.A Shelter and the husky passed away. I was outraged and felt like I needed to do something to address the situation.”
Laughlin said that Aimee’s case sparked outrage and support from both the Erie community and worldwide.
“When we first put the memo out that we would introduce this bill, we had people from around the world supporting it,” Laughlin said. “Aimee touched a nerve with a lot of people. Out of bad situations there’s always a silver lining and hopefully this law is that lining.”
Laughlin said that if the bill is signed into law, it would create a public registry where names and faces of animal abusers will be posted.
“This law will give us access to the database that will show registered offenders, similar to Megan’s Law,” Ruth Thompson, executive director of the A.N.N.A Shelter said. “I hope it goes nationwide. I hope other states follow suit and that we put the message out there that this will no longer be tolerated.”
Thompson said that in her 26 years of working at the shelter, she has seen an evolution of dog laws and seriousness in cruelty and neglect cases.
“I focus on taking care of the animal, but it’s nice to know that these laws will have more teeth,” Thompson said.
If the bill advances out of the House, it will head to Gov. Josh Shapiro’s desk.
“I know we are running out of time here but there are still enough days to get this passed if (the House) wants to,” Laughlin said. “The intent was to protect people’s pets, which we achieved, but we just need the House to pass and get it off to the governor whom I have not spoken to about it. I’d assume he would gladly sign it.”
More: Pa. senator seeks state animal cruelty registry after Erie dog’s death
For Thompson and the A.N.N.A Shelter, the hope is that Aimee’s Law serves as a template to help other states deal with animal abuse cases.
“I hope it sets a precedent and something that other states can adopt,” Thompson said. “A nationwide (data)base would be amazing. We’re getting stronger laws, harsher consequences, so that maybe this can stop or lessen at least.”
Contact Nicholas Sorensen at Nsorensen@usatodayco.com.