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Tell Nevada to Make Animal Cruelty a Felony
  1. Signatures
    2,992 out of 5,000
    Petitioning
    1. The Governor of NV
  2. Created By
    Pamela Black
    Lapeer, MI
About this Petition Petition Letter Petition Updates
How We Won

Jun 10, 2011

In Nevada, people could brutally kill their pet, confess to the police and walk away free. That's what happened in the case of Cooney, a dog who had been killed by her owner with a box cutter. Even though her owner, Raymond Rios, had a history of violence and admitted to the crime, he was not arrested. In memory of Cooney, activists called for stronger anti-cruelty laws in Nevada,

Nearly 3,000 Change.org members supported the efforts of Nevada Voters for Animals and other local groups to pass Cooney's Law. Three months after the bill's introduction, it was signed into law. Once it goes into effect, animal abusers can face felony charges for killing or torturing animals, protecting both animals and people from violent offenders.

Nevada is one of the few states that does not have felony animal cruelty laws that apply to all animals. Senate Bill 223 would make animal cruelty a felony offense. Current law allows for three misdemeanor convictions before a felony charge is sought, except in the case of show dogs. This bill reflects the understanding that all animals deserve to be treated equally and any willful violence taken upon them is a serious matter.

The bill has been nicknamed "Cooney's Law" for the dog that was brutally killed by her owner with a box cutter. The man, Raymond Rios, believed a mouse had crawled into Cooney's stomach and was causing her pain. After admitting what he had done, Rios pled guilty to a misdemeanor charge. This came with a $640 fine and time served. Rios is a free man, banned from owning dogs for two years.

SB 223 is supported by a number or animal organizations and domestic violence shelters. The bill is important not only for animal safety but for human safety as well. The link between animal abuse and domestic violence is very real. Studies have shown that people who commit violence against animals are five times more likely to commit violence against people.

Sign the petition urging Nevada to pass SB 223. No animal should have to suffer as Cooney did.

Photo Credit: jeffreyw

Why People Are Signing
Recent Signatures

Pass SB 223 and Make Animal Cruelty a Felony

Greetings,

Senate Bill 223 would make certain acts of animal cruelty a felony offense in Nevada. Current law allows for three misdemeanor convictions before a felony charge is sought, except in the case of show dogs. This bill reflects the understanding that all animals deserve to be treated equally and any willful violence taken upon them is a serious matter.

SB 223 is important not only for animal safety but for human safety as well. The link between animal abuse and domestic violence is considered by law enforcement agencies when profiling subjects. Studies have shown that people who commit violence against animals are five times more likely to commit violence against people. These factors cannot be ignored.

Nevada is one of the few states that does not have felony animal cruelty laws that apply to all animals. SB 223 will bring Nevada into the majority where we belong.

I support SB 223 and respectfully urge you to do the same.

Thank you,

[Your name]

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