This petition starts with a heavy but urgent personal plea. Too many animals in our beloved Arkansas are suffering because of inhuman and disgraceful acts of cruelty. Instances of dogs being killed and discarded like trash, or horses being dragged to death behind vehicles are not just isolated incidents, but serious and pressing transgressions that darken our community. Animals are not disposable, they are as integral to the vibrancy of life as we are. Their suffering is a direct reflection of what's going wrong in our society.

As per statistics from the Humane Society, Arkansas sadly ranks among the worst states for animal protection laws, scoring only 14 out of 50. In the US, currently, all states have some form of laws against animal cruelty, but the severity of these punishments varies greatly. The Animal Legal Defense Fund ranks Arkansas 46th in the country for animal protection laws - this is not acceptable.

It is time for us to demand change. It is time for Arkansas to demonstrate that it values and respects all life. This petition is a call to lawmakers in Arkansas to make animal abuse a felony rather than a misdemeanor, to ensure that those who commit acts of cruelty against animals face the full suite of legal consequences.

Take a stand for our state's creatures. Their protection is a reflection of our community's empathy and critical to the distinction of right from wrong in our society. Thus, I urge you to sign this petition and make animal cruelty a felony in Arkansas. Let us lead with compassion and set an example for all states.