Unfortunately, some pet owners believe they have the authority to kill their pets. In Oklahoma, pets are considered property, which means that their owners have the right to do anything they want with them. Some pet owners are choosing to have their animal companion put down when they die because they want to be buried with their “best friend.” This practice is shocking and barbaric. Even if pets are considered property, “disposal of property” should not extend to killing a living creature.

Let’s call on Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin and the Oklahoma legislature to follow in other states’ footsteps and outlaw unnecessary euthanasia procedures for pets. No one, not even a pet's owner, should have the right to cut its life short.

My name is Sarah Winchester. I’m an Oklahoma native, and an animal lover. For me, getting a dog was a huge decision. When I finally did I understood it was a commitment to love and care for them for the rest of their lives. This is a reality of being a responsible pet owner. For some, the reverse is true -- some pet owners have to deal with the painful reality that they are going to pass before their pets. They leave their pet to a loved one, or to a sanctuary where they know it will be cared for .

But there are others who choose another route - they arrange to have their pet killed when they go, so they can have a companion in the afterlife. This is cruel and unusual, and should not be lawful.

Already in the United States, we euthanize nearly 3 million animals a year. Animals who aren’t lucky enough to find a “best friend” to adopt theme. Let’s not add to that staggering body count with this senseless practice.

States like Pennsylvania and California have already ruled that the unnecessary killing of pets is cruel and against public policy.

Let’s ask Gov. Mary Fallin and the Oklahoma legislature to join these states and outlaw unnecessary pet euthanasia. Our pets should have the right to live even if we are gone.