Our beloved dogs are being routinely shot dead by the police, not due to any fault or threat they pose, but unjustly because of their breed. The police seem to be pulling triggers where it's not essential, resulting in the unwarranted demise of many innocent lives. This disturbing pattern is alarming for every person who shares their life with a dog at home. It doesn't make our communities safer; rather, it tears holes in the hearts of those who lose their canine loved ones.

It's a sobering fact that in some communities across the country, dogs are shot by police as a default response instead of a last resort (Rand Corporation, 2014). We call upon our law enforcement agencies to change their approach and create policies that regard our pets' lives with more respect and dignity.

Police need to be better trained to understand canine behavior, be equipped with non-lethal alternatives,such as a dart gun. Let us unite to protect our innocent dogs from unjust police shootings, because their lives matter too. We urge you to sign this petition and demand profound, quick, and necessary change.