A year or 2 ago, there was some discussion on this list of a Yahoo Group
that maintained a list of animal abusers.  While the intention of that
list might have been good, it was carried out in a bad way.  Anyone could
join the group, and add anyone they wanted to the database.  Once someone
was added, it was very difficult to get the name removed, as only the
list owner could do it.
 
There is, however, an abuser database that has been done correctly.  With
it, you must submit information by email to the group that sponsors it,
and the information is posted only after it has been verified.  Further,
this database only list cases where criminal charges are involved,
whether or not there is a conviction.  So, it safeguards people from
being added by someone who is angry with them.
 
Information on how to submit a case can be found at the following link.
    http://www.pet-abuse.com/database/caseinfo.php
 
From that page, you can also go to the database, and look for cases, or
see if someone is in the database.  It also has other information about
preventing and reporting abuse, etc.  Cases can be looked up by state, or
by other search items like type of animal, type of abuse, and status of
case.
 
This is a good resource for everyone to be aware of, and a good page to
keep bookmarked.  Shelters can use it to help in checking on potential
adopters, and everyone can use it to report cases.  I highly recommend
that readers go and look over the site, to see what resources are
available.
 
Diana Bachman has been entered into this database, so now anyone who
looks will see information about her crime and her conviction.  Here is
the link for anyone who wants to see it.
    http://www.pet-abuse.com/cases/3123/MD/US/1
--
Danee
International Ferret Congress Health Issues Coordinator
http://ferretcongress.org
ADV - If your ferret hasn't been tested, you don't know!
For more information visit: http://www.ferretadv.com
You can help fight ADV! Visit:
http://help4adv.terrabox.com/
[Posted in FML issue 4704]