Information and FAQS about the registry, registration, and reporting violations
On September 8, 2016, Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners passed the Animal Abuser Registry Ordinance. The ordinance requires any individual residing in Hillsborough County, who has been convicted of an animal abuse offense on or after November 1, 2016, to self-register within ten (10) business days after their release from incarceration or from the date of the conviction judgment.
Any registered person is strictly prohibited from adopting, purchasing, possessing, or otherwise obtaining certain animals from any animal shelter, pet seller, or other person or entity involved in the exchange of animals by adoption, sale, or other means. A registrant is also not allowed to own, possess, reside in the same household or on the same property as an animal while on the registry and is prohibited from working with a companion animal, with or without compensation.