State Senator Dan Laughlin of Erie County is pushing new legislation aimed at strengthening protections for animals and holding abusers accountable.
Laughlin has formally introduced what is being called “Aimee’s Law,” a bill that would create a public registry for individuals convicted of aggravated animal cruelty offenses. The goal, he says, is to deter abuse and bring greater awareness to the issue.
“I think the threat of having your name on there is going to get people to behave better and bring some light to this situation,” Laughlin said.
The proposed legislation is named after a Siberian Husky that died after being severely neglected and left outside during the winter. The dog, as well as the bill, is also named in honor of Aimee Fries, the Erie police dispatcher who took the call reporting the animal’s condition.
Fries recalled the moment as one of the most difficult of her career.
“It was the most heartbreaking call that I think I’ve ever had,” she said.
She later described the emotional toll of seeing the dog firsthand.
“Seeing pup Aimee will always be in my mind, and the hardest day of my life,” Fries said. “To see how she looked, and I remember laying with her, praying over her, saying she’s loved and not alone anymore. Because no dog, no animal should ever be treated or feel that kind of way.”
Under the proposed bill, first-time offenders would be listed on the registry for two years. Repeat offenders would remain on the list for a longer period, and those convicted in the most severe cases could face a lifetime ban on owning animals.
Laughlin believes the registry would act as both a deterrent and a way to encourage better behavior.
“Once we create this public registry, I genuinely believe people who are maybe kind of borderline-ish aren’t going to want to see their name on there,” he said. “I think it will help create better behavior in the people themselves.”
Supporters argue the registry is long overdue and would provide an added layer of accountability.
“It’s about time that there is a registry to hold these people accountable,” Fries said. “Because it should never be done once, nor should there be an opportunity for it to be done again.”
The bill must now move through the legislative process in Harrisburg. Senator Laughlin says he hopes to see “Aimee’s Law” passed and in place by the end of the year.