Gov. Dannel Malloy has vetoed a new criminal registry for animal abusers, saying it was going to waste taxpayer money and could potentially worsen the animal abuse problem.

Rescuers like Lexi's Angels in Norwalk and other animal advocates pushed hard for the registry, but Malloy says the ASPCA urged him to reject it. The group says registries actually lead to more abuse because offenders reach plea bargains to avoid registering.

State Rep. Brenda Kupchick, who is the co-chair of the animal welfare caucus, says the bill was years in the making and that she's disappointed with the veto.

Lawmakers will return to Hartford June 25 to possibly override the veto.