The recent case of a Beagle thrown from a moving car and then returned to the owner suspected of committing the act and later charged has brought the issue of Animal Abuse again to the State Capital. 

The problem is that animals are regarded as “property” like a piece of furniture. That law needs to change, now.

Animals are living, feeling beings who experience pain, pleasure, sorrow, and joy and regarding them as “property” under the law is a barrier to obtaining meaningful legal protections for them. 

Currently, only Oregon has passed such a law stating that, while still considered property, Animals are sentient beings and, as such, are afforded certain rights and standards of treatment.  The Animal Legal Defense Fund helped draft and pass that law in 2013, recognizing that “animals are sentient beings capable of experiencing pain, stress and fear,” and that “animals should be cared for in ways that minimize pain, stress, fear and suffering.”

While a number of bills are being worked on and considered regarding Animal Welfare in CT, our state has had a lot of interest but not much follow through. The CT Legislature was able to pass and get signed Desmond’s Law which allows people to advocate for animals in court.  Maine followed as the second state to pass such an act.  There was also a recent decision to study Animal Abuse in CT that would allow for legislation to be passed on bills being considered.  Animals Are Sentient Beings should be added to bills for consideration.

But we don’t have time for a study.  The number of animals who suffer and die due to classification as property is staggering.  Please sign this petition now in order to get Animals Are Sentient Beings before our state legislature and signed into law next year.

Chandra Niles Folsom

Holly Chasin