California may soon place animal abusers on the same level as sex offenders by listing them in an online registry, complete with their home addresses and places of employment.

Is this a good idea? I think not.

First, as awful as animal abuse can be, it is ridiculous to think of animal abuse as similar to rape or molesation.  Animals are not people.

Second, registries for sex offenders seem unlikely to be the right policy.  If offenders still pose risks to others, keep them in jail.