Arizona state law currently categorizes animal abuse cases as either class 1 misdemeanor, class 5 felony or class 6 felony. The current maximum jail sentence is 2.5 years--obviously not enough of a deterrent.

We want to see the requirement raised to a statewide minimum 10-year sentence for the torture, abuse, and/or murder of an animal. There should be no exceptions, no application of "time served," and no chance of parole. This should finally underscore the severity of such crimes and deter potential offenders. 

We also request that the state's definition of "animal," currently limited to mammal, bird, reptile or amphibian, be extended to include fish. No one needs to be torturing fish when fishing.

Animals are sentient beings no different from humans. It's time we as a species acknowledge that we are not any more alive or special than any other living creature, nor do we have more sensitive pain receptors. Pain is pain; death is death. One is no more or less tragic than another.

It's sad that we haven't had this standard in place already. Let's not waste any more time sitting by and accepting this behavior among civilized society. 

We demand justice for our voiceless companions and a safer environment for all animals.