Senator Dan Laughlin (R-49) has announced plans to introduce “Aimee’s Law,” a bill that would establish a public registry for individuals convicted of felony animal abuse in Pennsylvania. The proposed legislation follows the case of a six-month-old Siberian husky, Aimee, who was found abandoned in freezing temperatures in Erie County and later died despite rescue efforts. Two people have been arrested in connection with the incident.
“This heartbreaking case shows the urgent need for stronger accountability for those who commit cruel acts against animals,” said Senator Laughlin. “No animal should suffer as Aimee did. Aimee’s Law will give communities a tool to prevent repeat offenses and protect both animals and the people around them.”
If enacted, Aimee’s Law would require anyone convicted of felony animal cruelty or aggravated cruelty to be listed on a publicly accessible registry, similar to Megan’s Law. The goal is to increase transparency, help law enforcement track repeat offenders, and strengthen enforcement of penalties for serious cases of animal abuse.
Research indicates that there can be a link between animal abuse and other violent behavior, underscoring potential public safety benefits from such a registry.
“Animals can’t speak for themselves,” Laughlin added. “A publicly searchable registry gives families, neighbors, and authorities a critical tool to recognize dangerous patterns and prevent future tragedies. Aimee’s death should not be in vain.”
Laughlin cited Florida’s Dexter’s Law—passed in 2025—as an example of similar legislation. Dexter’s Law increased penalties for aggravated animal cruelty and created a searchable database of offenders.
“States like Florida have shown that this approach works,” Laughlin said. “Aimee’s Law will fill an urgent gap in Pennsylvania’s laws, hold offenders accountable, and protect our communities and our pets.”
Senator Laughlin encouraged support from the public and animal welfare advocates as the bill moves through the legislative process.
Laughlin serves Pennsylvania’s 49th District in the State Senate, which covers nearly all of Erie County including the city of Erie. His work focuses on job creation, limiting government spending, community investment enhancement, government reform initiatives—including bipartisan efforts—and issues such as cannabis legalization and infrastructure improvements according to his official website. He has secured significant state tax credits for local organizations as well as funding for water infrastructure projects and broadband expansion [source].
He maintains offices in Harrisburg and Erie to assist constituents [source], drawing on his background as a small business owner from Erie [source]. Since first being elected in 2016—and reelected in 2020 and 2024—he has represented almost all townships within Erie County [source].
