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 government pause of the types of people deemed responsible to foster a child. Addressing these concerns of harm towards animals provides increased awareness of animal cruelty across the Valley and Eastern Ohio," Cutrona said.

The bill has yet to be assigned to a committee for hearings.

This is the latest piece of legislation from Cutrona aiming to fight animal cruelty in Ohio. Senate Bill 64, introduced by Cutrona in January, aims to increase penalties for animal cruelty offenses. This bill is currently pending in the Senate's Judiciary Committee.

Additionally, Senate Bill 252, also introduced by Cutrona, aims to prohibit Ohioans from declawing domestic cats. The bill provides an exception for when a licensed veterinarian deems declawing necessary in order to address a medical condition.

This bill has yet to be assigned to a committee for hearings.