My heart aches as I write this story. Like many of you, I have experienced the gut-wrenching feeling of seeing a beloved pet hit by a car. Each year, countless pets are struck by vehicles, their lives abruptly ending or irrevocably changed. My experience is far from unique and we, as responsible motorists, need to acknowledge this issue and take action.

It is time to accept responsibility for the consequences of accidents on our roads, intentional or not. Making it a legal requirement to stop and attend to an animal hit by a vehicle should not be something we have to petition for. It should be a given.

While it is difficult to gather accurate data about the number of pets hit by cars yearly, various animal welfare organizations believe the number is significant. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, millions of animals are euthanized each year as a result of injuries suffered on our highways. A considerable percentage of them could be saved with timely assistance.

I am urging lawmakers to implement a law that requires drivers to stop and provide necessary aid to an animal hit by their vehicle. This includes, at minimum, notifying the authorities about the accident. This compassionate, humane law can make a significant difference to animal welfare on our roads.

Our loved ones, covered in fur, feathers or scales, are not disposable. Their lives matter. Sign this petition if you believe in creating a safer animal-friendly environment on our roads.