I am in desperate need of help. We are in a time and season of change, but this particular issue has had no change and needs it. I'm hoping you can help me move towards change regarding this issue.

Doc was a beloved member of our family. Unfortunately, he was maliciously murdered in his own fenced-in front yard. Getting justice for Doc has been a nightmare. I've been told, "it's just a dog," "dogs are just property," and "your case would be the last they are concerned with solving because it's an animal, not a person." This is all said as though animal cruelty isn't a law worth enforcing. This mindset needs to change for domesticated, companion animals! They are our companions, children, and family members. They deserve the same kind of treatment as any human regarding solving cases involving them. Not one person or companion animal deserves to be murdered. The cases should be handled equally by law enforcement.

As you know, animals are considered property by law, but they have their own rights. But how can it be considered property? My couch (my property) doesn't have its own rights. My table (my property) doesn't have its own rights. My dog has its own rights, though. So, how can they truly be considered property? All animals deserve and have the right to be treated humanely. I understand that some animals fall under the property classification. For example, if you own beef cattle- they have a monetary value. They are there to make you money. A lot of time, in the instance of dogs, there is no monetary value to these companions, only sentimental. For some, dogs are the only "children" they will ever have, and if something were to happen to their "baby," it would be devastating for them to be told that their "child" is nothing but property and their case isn't as important as human cases.

This is where Doc's Law would come into play.

Doc's Law would be an added measure to already existing laws. If you choose not to participate in Doc's Law coverage, then you will only be covered by customary property laws regarding animals. The idea of Doc's Law is to have a registry offered to companion animal owners to protect these animals as humans in any criminal case. Being on the registry would ensure they get the same treatment by law enforcement as though they are actual family members who have been victims of violent crimes. The priority would be much higher than it currently is now. This would be like offering full coverage insurance vs. liability; this would be the full coverage version for pets.

This is a step to be a voice for the voiceless, to change how law enforcement views cases of companion animals. Not all companion animals are dogs; this is why the registry would be great for those choosing to register their companion animal, whether a cow, deer, cat, etc.

We need something, we need a change, and we need to fight for our companion animals. Companion animals do NOT need to be considered property any longer. Companion animals do not provide us with income; they do not hold a monetary value.
#justiceforDoc