We The people must act urgently to stop our beloved dogs from being killed by police officers in front of family members and on our front porches! The national statistics are showing over 10,000 dogs are being slaughtered every year. That's one dog an hour.  If you sign this petition to end police deadly force once and for all you will be a hero to thousands of puppies. Dogs can't sign this petition to save their own lives. They rely on their humans for everything! Don't give the police power to shoot to kill just because they are scared of you or your good boy! Dogs have a right to Growl! They're dogs. Cleatus was such a sweet dog.  He loved to chase deer and squirrels out of our yard.  His favorite food was steak and angel hair pasta. He could speak to me and say "I wanna Walmart!" I have cried every day since he died on our porch. This tragic event underscores a broader issue: the use of deadly force by police officers on pet dogs as a first response. This is a widespread problem that devastates pet owners and erodes trust within communities. According to the Department of Justice, incidents involving police shootings of pet dogs number in the thousands annually. These dogs are often not a genuine threat, as demonstrated by countless situations where simple communication could have de-escalated the encounter.

The current policy that allows officers to resort to deadly force must be re-evaluated. We need amendments that prioritize non-lethal responses when dealing with pet dogs. Training programs should emphasize recognizing non-threatening dog behavior and using alternative measures. Moreover, the policy granting paid administrative leave following such incidents needs urgent revision. Police officers should not be rewarded with time off after killing a civilian's pet.

I urge the police departments across the nation to lead the way in instituting tangible changes. This means revising policy and implementing comprehensive training about dog encounters. This call for change is not just about Cleatus but for every pet owner who faces the same reality.

By signing this petition, you contribute to a movement that seeks accountability and reform within policing practices involving pet incidents. Please sign and share this petition to stop the unnecessary killing of our furry family members.