A new Georgia law that took effect July 1 will create a statewide online database designed to help track people charged with certain animal-related crimes.
Under the new law, the Prosecuting Attorneys’ Council of Georgia will develop and maintain the public database, which is expected to be available by 2027.
Once operational, the database will include the full names of individuals charged with offenses including cruelty to animals, aggravated cruelty to animals, dogfighting, bestiality, criminal trespass involving a wild animal, and interfering with, harming, or aggravated harming of a public safety or search and rescue animal.
Supporters of the measure say the database will provide animal welfare organizations, shelters, rescues, and the public with an additional tool to identify individuals facing charges involving animal abuse.
State officials have not announced how long a person’s name will remain in the database. However, they say repeat offenses will be added to an individual’s record if additional qualifying charges occur.
The law is one of several new measures that took effect across Georgia on July 1.