COLUMBUS, Ohio - Ohio Senator Al Cutrona has introduced new legislation that would disqualify anyone convicted of animal cruelty from being an adoptive parent or foster caregiver.

Senate Bill 265 aims to disqualify anyone convicted of animal cruelty, harm to companion animals, animal fighting, dogfighting or sexual conduct with an animal from becoming a foster parent or caregiver.

According to a press release from Cutrona, cruelty to companion animals is not cited when conducting a criminal background check on potential caregivers under current Ohio law. This bill aims to close that gap.

Cutrona says studies have shown that individuals who have committed child abuse have likely committed abuse to a companion animal as well.

"Cruelty of any kind towards animals should give the governme

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