WALKER COUNTY, Ga. — A new statewide database aimed at curbing animal cruelty in Georgia is expected to give the public and animal welfare groups a new tool to identify people charged with certain animal-related crimes.
Under a new law that went into effect on July 1st, the Prosecuting Attorneys’ Council of Georgia plans to host an online database for animal cruelty offenders by 2027.
The database is expected to provide public access to the full names of people charged with cruelty and 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.
Walker County Sheriff Steve Wilson says reports of animal cruelty have increased in recent years, which he attributed in part to greater public awareness…