Jimi George Jones is the best person I’ve ever met. Named for Hendrix, Lowell George, and Quincy Jones, James understands English, Spanish, bird, cat, and any body of water. When We were separated I could barely walk. After Jimi was impounded, I could barely breathe. Phone stolen means no contacts or access to finances. I am one among many who have experienced a heart-wrenching situation. My phone was stolen and my beloved dog, Jimi, was impounded. Despite the fact that animal control officers knew where I was staying, Jimi was deemed abandoned because I couldn't afford the impound fees. My master’s degree in psychology is from Antioch University in downtown Santa Barbara. Imagine. This is not an isolated incident; it's a systemic issue affecting countless pet owners across our nation.

In the United States alone, approximately 6.5 million companion animals enter U.S. animal shelters nationwide every year (ASPCA). Many of these are pets separated from their owners due to financial constraints related to impound fees or other unexpected circumstances.

We propose a change in how animal control funds are used - instead of charging exorbitant impound fees that often result in pets being deemed 'abandoned', these funds should be utilized to help reunite lost animals with their rightful owners.

This change will not only reduce the number of animals unnecessarily held in shelters but also alleviate the emotional distress experienced by pet owners like myself who are unable to retrieve their companions due to financial constraints. While Jimi may seem happy in the current situation, I guarantee our late night bacon binges are not forgotten. 

Let's work together towards a more compassionate system that prioritizes reuniting families over generating revenue through punitive fees. Please sign this petition and help us bring about this much-needed change.

This. Eternal. Love.