To the Indiana General Assembly and the Governor of Indiana:

 

Indiana law generally treats companion animals as personal property. But our pets are not ordinary objects. They are living beings who experience pain, fear, comfort, trust, and love. They are our children, family members, and companions.

 

I am asking Indiana lawmakers to introduce and pass Sky’s Law, named in memory of my beloved dog, Sky.

 

Sky was my child, my family, and one of the greatest loves of my life. After his tragic death, I learned that the law does not fully recognize the true value of his life or the devastating loss experienced by families when a beloved companion animal is wrongfully harmed or killed.

 

Sky’s Law should recognize companion animals as living beings and a special category of property rather than treating them like ordinary possessions. It should create meaningful accountability when a companion animal is seriously injured or killed through intentional, reckless, grossly negligent, or negligent conduct.

 

The law should also allow courts to consider reasonable veterinary and aftercare expenses and provide limited compensation that recognizes the genuine loss of companionship between a family and a beloved animal.

 

This proposed law would not prevent responsible veterinary professionals from providing necessary care. It would promote accountability, patient safety, timely communication, and recognition that an animal’s life cannot be measured only by a purchase price or market value.

 

Please help us pass Sky’s Law so that Indiana recognizes what pet families already know:

 

Our pets are not ordinary property.

 

Their lives matter.

 

Their suffering matters.

 

The love and bond we share with them matter.

 

Sky’s life was priceless.

 

For Sky. Always. 🐾