My 1-year-old Bernese mountain dog was killed on Easter for being in someone else’s yard. He had never been there before, and eyewitnesses saw him trying to leave. This tragic event has highlighted a severe flaw in our current trespassing laws that allow property owners to shoot companion animals.

Companion animals are often curious and may wander into neighboring properties unintentionally. They do not pose the same threat as wild or dangerous animals, yet they are subjected to the same lethal consequences under current laws. According to the American Pet Products Association, over 67% of U.S. households own a pet, making this an issue that affects millions of families.

We need a change in legislation that differentiates between wild trespassers and domestic pets, removing the right to shoot companion animals simply for being on someone else's property. Please sign this petition to urge lawmakers to protect our beloved pets from unnecessary harm and ensure their safety in our communities.