I write this as a passionate animal lover emotionally distressed by the suffering that our wildlife in Rhode Island is enduring. It is unsettling to see animals such as foxes, coyotes, and raccoons grappling with diseases like mange and blood clotting disorders due to rodenticide. These are 'rabies vector species', meaning that authorities are wary of public health implications, but their suffering cannot go unnoticed or unaddressed.

In contrast, our neighboring state, Massachusetts, has legal provisions for wildlife rehab facilities to intervene and help these afflicted animals. Rhode Island should take inspiration from this approach and reconsider its stance.

Statistics show that most animals infected with rabies in the U.S occur in wildlife, although hardly any of the rabies cases reported were from foxes or coyotes. Clear gaps in wildlife conservation could be rectified if Rhode Island legalized the operation of wildlife rehab facilities to take care of these specific species. 

It's time to extend our compassionate hand to the suffering wildlife around us. Rhode Island officials should recognize that legalizing wildlife rehab facilities is a necessary step towards ethical wildlife conservation. Join hands with us to bring a change that will save the lives of many defenseless animals. Please sign this petition and help them get the assistance they urgently need.