As a marine animal activist, I have witnessed the harassment of octopuses during scuba and freediving activities. These beautiful beings do not have a voice and they need to be protected as animals. 

If you think of what what an Octopus actually is. All they do is feel. This is one of the most sensitive, intelligent, fragile, curious beings on our planet.

Currently, cephalopods ( what we know as octopus and cuddlefish) are not classified as animals by Congress so they are not protected. This is because they lack a skeletal system. No invertebrate animal is classified as an animal so they do not qualify for any kind of protection from our animal welfare laws. Therefore leaving it completely legal to tear an octopus from its hiding spot to secure a selfie. Or chop off all of its legs at dock and throw the body/head back into the water. These animals only live one year. It may survive losing one leg but not all 8. 

Through science, documentaries, and personal interactions with these creatures, we now know that all cephalopods do is feel; their biological makeup is centered around sensation.

Cephalopods such as octopuses, squids, and cuttlefish exhibit complex behaviors and intelligence comparable to many vertebrates. They deserve protection under the federal Animal Welfare Act to prevent their harassment and mutilation.

Please sign this petition to urge Congress to classify cephalopods as animals so they can receive the protection they rightfully deserve.