Jameson and Jack were two beloved family dogs. They died in a fire allegedly set by a downstairs neighbor—on purpose. The man who admitted to lighting that fire has been charged with arson and mischief… but just one count of animal cruelty.

That’s not justice.

We’re calling on Nassau DA Anne Donnelly, the New York State Legislature, and Governor Hochul to upgrade the charges against Jahan Kia and pass the Animal Justice Act—making the deliberate killing of a pet a felony punishable by up to life in prison.

These were not property. They were family. And if a person can light a home on fire knowing people and animals are inside—and walk free without bail—we have a legal system that protects abusers more than victims.

Animal cruelty is a warning sign. It’s time our laws treated it like one. Sign if you believe killing a dog in an arson isn’t a misdemeanor—it’s murder.

[Photo Credit: Dennis A. Clark]