I propose a change to allow criminal punishment for the death of animals as the direct result of negligence by a current or former animal owner. These animals have no voice, we must speak on their behalf. Let it be known that it should very well be illegal to neglect an animal in any way that can or will cause death to an animal. Ozzy was a 10 year old senior Chihuahua placed on a "yardsale group" on Facebook for free to the first taker. The ad stated he had some minor skin issues, that was all. I immediately ran to get him fearing someone would take advantage and get him with ill intentions. When I arrived and got him in my arms, I cried. This dog had the worst flea infestation and skin deterioration I'd ever seen in my lifetime. His skin was open and oozing, he whined just being held or moving in general, he had very few teeth which were wiggly and rotted, he had a large mass on his chest, He had a heart murmur due to anemia caused by a massive flea infestation, his ears were so badly infected and infested with mites that he became deaf.... the list of his ailments went on and on. We live on a very small budget, but I made cuts where I shouldn't have just to make sure he was cared for, we went straight to the vet. The vet was appalled. Aside from his many obvious medical needs and poor condition, he had never been to a vet or received so much as one set of shots. This dog was the poster child for great pets! Despite his 10 years of neglect by his former owner, he was amazing with my cats, my children, with us.... he used a puppy pad if we couldn't take him out. He allowed me to medicate him and give him medicated baths daily. This dog required so much, so fast and his needs were so very pressing. Small Breed Rescue of East TN stepped in to help him get care, as his bills were piling up. He went to the vet and had bloodwork, tests and procedures done. They were able to aspirate his mass on his chest. Later that evening, he died. Due to his morbid obesity and poor health overall, his body was unable to function properly. A clot formed and he was taken in his sleep. There needs to be justice for animals such as Ozzy. So many Ozzy's exist.... it's shocking how many animals die as a direct result of their owner's negligence! We need to change that! I propose more laws to protect our furry friends who depend on us. I propose that the statutes as to what constitutes unlawful neglect, be changed to a more aggressive stance. I propose that we take a stand for those who cannot stand up for themselves! I propose justice for animals like Ozzy in TN. I propose "Ozzy's Law" to protect animals from negligence and punish those who inevitably cause the death of these defenseless animals whether it be morbid obesity, starvation, failure to provide treatment, failure to care for an animal in general. Please help me get this noticed! Do this for Ozzy. I don't want his death to be in vein.