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New Port Richey, Florida - It's hard to imagine how anyone would hurt an animal. They are helpless and defenseless. They have no voice to cry out and no one to turn to when things get bad, as they often do.

These days, it seems as though we hear more and more about sickening cases that just make you want to cry.

No one will ever forget the story of Dexter, one of 2 kittens beaten and tortured -- allegedy by a mom and her two kids at a Hernando park.  Dexter was severely injured, suffering seizures from the head trauma.  The other kitten died the same day of the attack. 

For a while, Dexter was doing better and even started wobbling a bit when he walked, but his seizures returned and he sadly, had to be euthanized. 

Read the Articles:

• Pregnant mom accused of beating kittens with bat
• Dexter, the Hernando kitten beaten at park, dies from seizures

The woman investigators who say was responsible was arrested.  Animal abuse is considered a third degree felony.

When State Senator Mike Fasano from New Port Richey heard about it, he was heartbroken and says he had to do something.

Senator Fasano told 10 News, "What's going on in the mind of someone who could do this to a kitten? No sane person would allow something like that to continue."

Senator Fasano acted quickly. He began working on what he calls, "Dexter's Law," a bill that basically says when people are convicted of animal abuse, they would have to register online, much like a sex offender.

If we can have a sex offender registry, why not an animal abuse registry, the Senator theorized.

The idea is to protect animals from abusers.

The senator says his adopted dog, Callie, is his inspiration, along with Dexter.

Senator Fasano added, "It's kind of sad that we have to do something like this, but these animals can't defend themselves."

The bill will be introduced next week when the legislative session starts in Tallahassee.

Convicted animal abusers would have to register with the state and pay a yearly fee, plus they'd have to re-register every time they move.

The state of New York recently passed a similar law to implement an animal abuse registry. It is scheduled to go into effect in the next six months.

See Dexter's Photo Gallery: Dexter at PetLuv

Article adapted from various sources:  10 NEWS