My heart is shattered. On January 19, 2025, my beloved dog, Timber, a gentle 9-year-old Labrador, was tragically shot and killed right before my eyes. This horrifying event unfolded in my own yard in Greenville, South Carolina, as police were pursuing a suspect. Timber, who had never harmed anyone, was only trying to protect me when a large German Shepherd appeared during the chaos. Despite posing no real threat, the officers resorted to brutality, ending my best friend’s life.

This is not just about my Timber; it's about ensuring that no other pet owner in South Carolina has to endure the pain and trauma of losing a beloved animal in such a senseless manner. Current laws offer little to no protection for domestic pets caught in these violent encounters with law enforcement. Data reveals that incidents of police officers harming or killing pets, like my Timber, are not isolated. According to a Police Foundation study, an estimated 25 to 30 pet dogs are shot by police each day nationwide. Without proper laws in place, these tragic events continue unchecked.

It's imperative that we urge lawmakers in South Carolina to enact laws that provide clear guidelines and protocols for officers when they encounter domestic animals. These laws should include mandatory training for officers on how to safely and humanely deal with pets and ensure that lethal force is the absolute last resort.

Our pets are our family, and they deserve protection under the law. Please join me in calling for the South Carolina legislature to act swiftly and decisively to safeguard our domestic animals from unnecessary violence. Sign this petition to show your support for Timber and countless other pets who deserve safety and respect in encounters with law enforcement. Let’s stand together to make South Carolina a safer place for our furry family members.I would like to add that since this happened I have not slept good at all and If this law is not changed it could happen to you or anyone else.My life will never be the same, I am disabled and I love and need my dog.He was so smart he alerted me when my demented mother left the house at 2:30 am one morning.Timber was my hero.Rip Buddy Row.Not only did the officer shoot him ,they let him lay for over an hour suffering before help arrived.They then sent him with animal control to a vet that was not chosen by me to later uthanize because I didn't have $2000 to pay right then ,that night for services already rendered.They would not even allow 24 hours for me to get the money up.The vet told me money now or were putting him down tonight!They done exactly what she said when I walked out the door devastated.My life forever changed that horrible night.I have never been the same after what the officer and vet put me through.I am left devastated by their unjust choices that terrible day and night.Heart broken forever.Please Sign and help me and Timber make the needed change ,so this never happens to anyone else..I recently learned that my best friend Timber is considered property.To me he was a living breathing species just like you and me.