On October 2, 2026, my dear friend Maria experienced a traumatic incident that has highlighted a pressing issue within our communities. While taking her two beloved dogs for a walk in our neighborhood in Mooresville, NC, an irresponsible driver sped down the residential street, completely disregarding the safety of those around them. Tragically, one of the dogs was struck with such force that he was flung several feet away, suffering terminal injuries. Both dogs had on reflective harnesses and leashes and she was wearing a reflective vest, making it almost impossible for a person paying attention and driving the speed limit to miss seeing them. The time that was wasted on calling 911, only to be told “police don’t come for dogs” could have been the difference, in those first crucial moments, that Otis may have been able to receive the emergency care he so desperately needed. The devastation of losing a cherished family pet in such a horrific manner cannot be overstated.

Our pets are cherished members of our families. They provide us with companionship, love, and emotional support. Yet, under current North Carolina law, there is no clear provision acknowledging the severity of hit-and-runs involving pets. Instead, they are categorized under “personal property.” This legal gap allows drivers who strike animals, where they should be reasonably aware that they’ve done so, to escape with little to no consequences, perpetuating a cycle of negligence and irresponsibility.

According to the American Pet Products Association, approximately 71% of U.S. households, or about 95 million families, own a pet. This vast number underscores the significant emotional investment society places in the well-being of pets, further demonstrating the need for comprehensive legal protection.

Consequently, we are calling for immediate legislative reform in North Carolina to address this oversight. We propose that:

1. Any driver involved in a hit-and-run incident with a pet, which could have reasonably been avoided by following every motor vehicle precaution, should face legal penalties, mirroring those applied to other types of vehicular negligence, including stopping when reasonably safe and providing identifying information.

2. There should be a mandated minimum sentence or fine for such offenses involving pets, ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable for their actions.

3. Educational campaigns should be launched to raise awareness about the importance of responsible driving in residential areas, particularly regarding the presence of pets.

These changes are vital in promoting a sense of justice and responsibility within our communities, echoing the principles of care and protection that we as pet owners cherish.

We urge lawmakers in North Carolina to listen to the voices of their constituents and take meaningful action to prevent further heartache. By signing this petition, you are advocating for a safer, more compassionate community for both people and pets alike and demanding that North Carolina laws reflect the value of our pets' lives as more than simply “property.” Please join us in demanding justice and protection for our pets.

From his owner, Maria: 

“My name is Maria Celenza. My baby, Otis, was murdered directly in front of me in my own neighborhood. We had just celebrated his 1st birthday. He had just been to the vet the day before and stole the show. They kept him in the back because he just wanted to snuggle everyone. Otis was a foster fail, after losing my dog of 15 years, I swore I would never willingly put myself through the pain of loving another dog and losing them again. Otis stole that empty broken piece left inside of me without my permission. 

He was my shadow. He followed me to the bathroom, room to room, everywhere. He had so much more life to live. My 6 year old, Wilbur (dog) has now lost 2 brothers in 1 year. I will never get the sound of impact out of my head. It plays on repeat. I will never forgive myself for wasting 4 MINUTES hyperventilating on the phone with 911, only to realize that they were never going to come and every second that passed was my Otis’ last chance at a breath, a heart beat, serious medical intervention. The car was speeding easily 25 over the limit. 

Our neighborhood has no sidewalks. We were recently told we aren’t allowed to use the golf course, which we’ve always used after hours. And having a 77lb 1 year old puppy, he needs more exercise than a .25 mile loop in my cul-de-sac. I will never forgive myself for my sweet baby dying in my arms on my watch. I can never unsee the car launching him 20 feet into a nearby driveway where he continued to hold onto life pleading with his eyes to me. And I will be eternally grateful to Kathy for making her mission to get justice for Otis. 

Thank you to the couple who stopped to help me. Who cried over my baby with me. To the neighbors who live across the street from the accident, who pulled me off of otis and threw myself and Wilbur in their car to get me home to get my car. I truly think of you all as my guardian angels. Seeing the very worst of humanity and the very best of humanity during the most traumatic moment of my life gives me hope that we get this signed and that my baby didn't die for nothing.“