A few weeks ago, while driving home through our local streets, I witnessed something distressing. A squirrel lay in the middle of the road, struggling for its life after being struck by a car. Cars whizzed by, indifferent to the plight of this small creature. No one stopped, no one cared, yet life continued in its swirl all around.

In that moment, I, too, could have driven past, but my conscience wouldn’t let me. I pulled over, carefully scooped up the injured squirrel, and began the search for help. To my dismay, my efforts to find it care met dead ends. None of the animal care facilities in the area offer assistance for wild animals like squirrels. This experience revealed a troubling gap in how we care for the vulnerable animals with whom we share our urban environment.

There are countless incidents similar to mine happening daily. Squirrels darting across our roads, a split-second decision between life and potential tragedy. Numerous injured animals are left to die painfully while help remains elusive, simply because there is no legal requirement to assist them.

We need a change. I'm urging lawmakers to pass legislation that requires drivers to stop and assist injured squirrels on the road, or at least report them so help can reach them. This law should include provisions for training wildlife first responders and establishing partnerships with animal care facilities to assist these creatures.

Squirrels, like all animals, are part of our ecosystem. They deserve our compassion and care even in their times of distress. By implementing this law, we take a crucial step towards recognizing our responsibility and commitment to wildlife.

Please join me in calling for this important change. Let us become a community that values and protects all life. Sign the petition and help us make a difference for these vulnerable creatures.