[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 123 (Friday, July 25, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1559]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     INTRODUCTION OF THE ``ANIMAL CRUELTY STATISTICS ACT OF 2008''

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JOHN CONYERS, JR.

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 24, 2008

  Mr. CONYERS. Madam Speaker, I am pleased to introduce the bipartisan 
``Animal Cruelty Statistics Act of 2008'' along with Representatives 
Gallegly, Nadler, Van Hollen and Moran. This bill will direct the 
Attorney General to make changes to existing crime data bases so that 
data on animal cruelty crimes will be collected and made publicly 
available. I thank the bipartisan coalition of Representatives who have 
joined me in introducing this important legislation.
  Animal cruelty crimes exist on the books in the vast majority of 
states and in the federal system. Yet there is no established system to 
meaningfully collect data on these crimes. The collection of data is 
important in order to assess the effectiveness of the animal cruelty 
laws, identify trends and problem areas, and allocate resources 
efficiently. Social Service studies also have shown a relationship 
between animal cruelty crimes and family violence. Many domestic 
violence organizations support this bill because they believe data 
collection on animal cruelty crimes will also help address the critical 
problem of domestic violence. This bill will serve these important 
purposes.
  Again, I thank the bipartisan coalition of Representatives who have 
joined me in introducing this important legislation.

                          ____________________