In the US alone, approximately 6.5 million companion animals enter animal shelters nationwide every year, and 920,000 animals (390,000 dogs and 530,000 cats) are euthanized (ASPCA). Such figures are not only distressing but are an immediate call for change.

I am a recent dog adopter from a kill shelter, which opened my eyes to the heartbreaking realities faced by animals each day.

I recently received a video from my sister on social media of a sweet, soulful dog named Nacho, with a caption stating that he had only 24 hours left before he would be euthanized. My sister wrote with the video, “Get him please.” Knowing I had the chance to save him made me want to act, and realizing he was just an hour away gave me the motivation to go. But it was his eyes that truly moved me—eyes filled with a deep, quiet hopelessness, yet a faint glimmer of trust. It was as if he knew his time was running out, but still held on to the smallest sliver of hope that someone, anyone, would come for him. In that moment, I felt a powerful connection, as if he was silently asking me to be his lifeline. That gaze made it impossible for me to turn away; it was more than a decision—it felt like a calling— despite the fact that I wasn’t able to take him in myself due to already having a rescue dog at home who didn’t get along well with others. 

After successfully organizing permanent housing for Nacho with my parents who live in Colorado (I’m based in California) and arranging a temporary foster until I could drive him the 16 hours to his new home, I felt confident that everything was in place for me to adopt him. With the generous help of a village (my friends and family), Nacho could now spend the rest of his days in a warm, loving, and comfortable environment without anymore worries or fear.

However, what I wasn’t prepared for upon arriving to the shelter was the overwhelming sight of countless other sweet faces—dogs and cats alike—who also had a death sentence within the next 24 hours, and knowing I could not save them. I know I’m not alone when I say that was one of the most powerless moments I have ever felt in my life. 

The shelter was overflowing with loving, helpless animals often abandoned by uncaring owners with little regard for their well-being. Due to the lack of proper legal protections for dogs and cats, many people treat them as mere objects, failing to take adoption seriously or to adhere to responsible breeding practices as they should. This experience has inspired this plea for the implementation of non-human rights for dogs and cats. 

Across the globe, our pets serve as companions, helpers, healers, and even rescue animals, positively impacting our lives. Yet, they are not legally protected in the way humans are. Standard non-human rights for dogs and cats would act as a safeguard against neglect, cruelty, and premature death in shelters due to overpopulation. 

The recognition of non-human rights can encourage a more empathetic and ethical attitude towards dogs and cats, compelling people to treat them with the respect and care they deserve. It is high time we grant our animals the legal protection they need and inspire further nations to follow suit. 

The proposed bill addressing animal rights includes the following provisions:

 • Right to Freedom from Cruelty and Neglect: Legal protection from physical and psychological abuse. Stronger penalties for cruelty or neglect.

 •Right to Humane Living Conditions: Access to basic needs such as food, water, shelter, and medical care. Safe and healthy environments guaranteed by caretakers.

 • Right to Protection from Exploitation: Prohibition of using animals in harmful experiments or entertainment. Regulations to prevent overbreeding, poaching, illegal hunting, animal testing, and illegal animal trade.

 • Right to Veterinary Care: Access to necessary and preventative medical treatment. Affordable care options, especially for low-income households.

 • Right to Be Treated as Sentient Beings, Not Property: Legal recognition of animals as sentient beings rather than objects. Decisions in legal matters (like custody) based on the animals’ best interests. 

 • Right to Freedom from Unnecessary Euthanasia: Prohibition of euthanasia unless suffering from severe, incurable conditions, or if the animal is considered unreleasable due to being dangerous and hostile in all environments. Promotion of adoption, rehabilitation, and long-term care as alternatives.

 • Right to Ethical Breeding Practices: Regulation of breeding to prevent overpopulation and inhumane practices. Strict adherence to standards for breeders to ensure animal health and welfare.

 • Expand Animal Welfare Education in Schools: Incorporate comprehensive animal welfare education into school curriculums, teaching students about responsible pet ownership, the ethical treatment of animals, and the importance of animal rights. This will foster compassion, empathy, and awareness from an early age, promoting a more humane society.

Enforcing animal rights in America is entirely possible, as several countries have already taken steps to recognize the rights of certain animals. Nations like New Zealand, India, and Ecuador have granted legal protections to dolphins, whales, and other animals, recognizing them as sentient beings with the right to live free from exploitation and harm. These precedents demonstrate that the extension of rights to animals can be achieved, providing a strong foundation for similar actions in the U.S.

I ask for your support in changing the status quo. Please sign this petition to show your commitment to this cause.