Aimee, a Siberian husky whose treatment and death prompted an outcry in Erie, is the impetus for new legislation in the state Senate being drafted by Sen. Dan Laughlin, R-Erie.

The death of a 6-month-old Siberian husky in Erie is prompting new legislation in the state Senate.

State Sen. Dan Laughlin, D-Erie, is circulating a co-sponsorship memorandum for a bill he is calling Aimee’s Law to create a publicly accessible registry of individuals convicted of felony animal abuse offenses.

The bill comes days after two Erie residents were charged with animal cruelty after the dog, later named Aimee, was found abandoned in a crate in freezing temperatures. The ANNA Shelter in Erie attempted to bring Aimee back to health, but she went into cardiac arrest before surgery at a specialized facility in Ohio. Aimee’s death has prompted an outpouring of support for the shelter from Erie businesses and residents.

“This heartbreaking case shows the urgent need for stronger accountability for those who commit cruel acts against animals,” Laughlin said. “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.”

The ANNA Shelter said when Aimee arrived, she was alive but unresponsive. Shelter officials posted on Facebook on Jan. 21 that Aimee was covered in feces; had frostbite on all four paws; and reeked of urine while weighing 15.2 pounds. Under Aimee’s Law, anyone convicted of felony animal cruelty or aggravated cruelty to animals would be required to be placed on a publicly accessible registry, similar to Megan’s Law. The registry would increase transparency, help law enforcement track repeat offenders, and support enforcement of existing penalties for egregious animal abuse.

Laughlin said research shows that a history of animal abuse can correlate with other violent behavior, highlighting the public safety benefits of such a registry.

“Animals can’t speak for themselves,” Laughlin said. “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 said the Florida state Legislature passed Dexter’s Law in 2025 to strengthen penalties for aggravated animal cruelty and established a public, searchable database of individuals convicted of animal cruelty offenses.

“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.”

Laughlin encourages the public and animal welfare advocates to support Aimee’s Law as it moves through the legislative process.