Fendi is a four-year-old French Bulldog. In January, a witness filmed her being struck and roughly handled by her owner. The Hawaiian Humane Society pushed to keep her safe. A criminal animal cruelty case was opened against the owner.

On April 24, a judge sent Fendi back to that same owner anyway.

The judge said there was not enough probable cause to justify forfeiture. The criminal case is still active. The arraignment is not until May 13. And Fendi is back in the home where the alleged abuse took place.

The Hawaiian Humane Society says this is not the first time. Animals are regularly returned to alleged abusers while criminal cases are still being decided. The law allows it. And until the law changes, it will keep happening.

"The law does not yet recognize that animals truly are members of our families," said Stephanie Kendrick, HHS Operations vice president. "We need to improve it so that animals who are in danger are protected."

She is right. No animal should be returned to an alleged abuser while a criminal case is active. The risk is too high. The stakes are too real. Fendi cannot speak for herself. She cannot call for help. She cannot leave.

We are calling on Hawaii lawmakers to strengthen the state's animal forfeiture laws and ensure that animals cannot be returned to alleged abusers until criminal cases are fully resolved.

Sign this petition and tell Hawaii lawmakers: protect Fendi and every animal like her.

Photo: Hawaiian Humane Society