Legalize Ownership of Bengal Cats in Rhode Island

The Issue

I am a resident of Rhode Island whose beloved Bengal cats were unjustly taken away by the Warwick animal shelter. The current law in our state deems these beautiful creatures as illegal, giving shelters and authorities the power to seize them without considering the emotional trauma inflicted on their owners. My personal experience is a testament to this flawed system. Despite arrangements for my cats to be adopted by a friend in Connecticut, where they are legal, I was blindsided when they were instead given away to other homes without my knowledge or consent.

Bengal cats are not wild animals; they are domesticated pets that bring joy and companionship to their owners. They are no more dangerous than any other breed of cat - this is supported by numerous studies and expert opinions (source: American Veterinary Medical Association). Yet, due to an outdated law, Bengal cat owners in Rhode Island live under constant fear of losing their furry family members.

This petition seeks justice not only for me but also for all Bengal cat owners in Rhode Island who have suffered or could suffer similar heartbreaks. We call upon our state legislators to revise the existing laws and legalize ownership of Bengal cats.

Please sign this petition if you believe that every pet owner has the right to keep their loved ones without fear of unwarranted separation. Let's make sure no one else has to endure what I went through ever again.

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The Issue

I am a resident of Rhode Island whose beloved Bengal cats were unjustly taken away by the Warwick animal shelter. The current law in our state deems these beautiful creatures as illegal, giving shelters and authorities the power to seize them without considering the emotional trauma inflicted on their owners. My personal experience is a testament to this flawed system. Despite arrangements for my cats to be adopted by a friend in Connecticut, where they are legal, I was blindsided when they were instead given away to other homes without my knowledge or consent.

Bengal cats are not wild animals; they are domesticated pets that bring joy and companionship to their owners. They are no more dangerous than any other breed of cat - this is supported by numerous studies and expert opinions (source: American Veterinary Medical Association). Yet, due to an outdated law, Bengal cat owners in Rhode Island live under constant fear of losing their furry family members.

This petition seeks justice not only for me but also for all Bengal cat owners in Rhode Island who have suffered or could suffer similar heartbreaks. We call upon our state legislators to revise the existing laws and legalize ownership of Bengal cats.

Please sign this petition if you believe that every pet owner has the right to keep their loved ones without fear of unwarranted separation. Let's make sure no one else has to endure what I went through ever again.

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Petition created on December 13, 2023