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Are you aware that someone can drive intoxicated or recklessly, hit your car as a result, and end the life of your pet with NO repercussions?!

Not a fine, no charges, and no mention of it in court as a criminal offense. 

Video with explanation on my Instagram account:

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DPFSa39kijK/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

In memory of my dog Roxy, I am calling for a change in our legal system to protect the lives of animals on our roads. Roxy was more than just a pet; she was a beloved member of my family, and as someone with emergency responders in my family, my attention has been drawn to the fact that far too many animals go through traumatic experiences due to impaired driving (as well as humans).   

As the wife of an emergency responder, I’ve seen how animals are compromised or put into  traumatic circumstances by drivers who are under the influence.   Often times, emergency responders have to deal with animals that have  been in an accident because of reckless  drivers who are under the influence. This could include, but it is not limited to, catching injured animals in roadways or on freeways, and delivering them to random shelters with strangers until they can locate someone to come pick them up.

This can take many days, depending upon the circumstances. They are often taken away by animal services when they have injury, which can be hugely traumatizing to an animal that is away from their family.

As a dog mom, I can see that this would cause permanent trauma in an animal’s life and cause long-term behavioral and possibly physical health issues.

 This devastating fact opened my eyes to a gap in our legal protections when it comes to animals endangered by intoxicated drivers.

In the United States, driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious offense. However, when an intoxicated driver endangers the life of an animal, there are often minimal repercussions. While there are laws to protect individuals, the same legal standards do not extend to our pets  in the same manner as human lives.

Statistics highlight the severity of this issue. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, thousands of accidents occur annually due to impaired driving. The tragic loss of pets  is an unmeasured yet significant consequence of these accidents. Furthermore, studies show that this behavior leads to immense suffering and loss for pet owners.  

We propose a straightforward solution: enact a law that charges intoxicated drivers with animal endangerment if they threaten or harm an animal. Such a law would not only hold violators accountable,  but also act as a deterrent against driving under the influence, ultimately contributing to safer roads for everyone, including our cherished animals.

Enforcing these measures would necessitate cooperation among lawmakers, law enforcement, and animal rights organizations. By working together, we can push for legislation that protects all lives and honors the memory of animals like Roxy.

Those  who suffer from PTSD, including veterans, and many other people dealing with health issues benefit greatly from service animals.
All of our animals hold significant importance to human life, and we should enforce that our laws reflect this.  Humans benefit from service animals in many ways, and through the protection of these animals. We also train canine officers in law-enforcement, which significantly improves law-enforcement efforts, and the safety of our communities.

Join me in urging our lawmakers to address this issue and ensure that justice is served not only for humans but for our animal companions as well. Let's make our roads a safer place for all beings. 

Please sign this petition to help pass a law for animal endangerment by DUI offenders.
Together, we can make a difference for animals and their families nationwide.