Hello,

My name is Grace Vazquez. My best friend is a dog named Ever Lee. She lit up my life and was my entire world. She not only made my life worth living, but she was adored by everyone around us, including her 20,000+ following on social media. On June 11th, she slipped out of our backyard. I chased her all over our area, begging, yelling, offering ham, and trying to coax her home. But her husky side made her stubborn, and she truly thought she was invincible. I did my best to stay between her and the road, but she slipped past me, and I watched as a car that was going way too fast hit her. They didn't try to swerve. They didn’t apologize. They didn’t offer help. I asked them where the closest vet is, and they just shrugged and drove off. They had a little girl with them who was not even phased, which was additionally concerning. I immediately went into crisis mode and grabbed my best friend off the road, carried her over half a mile home, and rushed her to the closest vet. She passed on the way there. In seconds, my whole world was ripped away from me. I understand that accidents happen (I carry my own guilt for not installing a stronger fence that she could not have slipped under), but this was nothing more than an inconvenience to this man. Had he not been speeding and been paying attention, she would likely still be here. When I looked up the laws for our state, I found that the only law he broke was speeding. And as no cops were around, he didn’t even get a ticket. Other than that, I’m actually liable for any damages to his vehicle if he were to pursue them. This is because, as you know, Kentucky is ranked among the worst for its animal protection laws (“2025 U.S. Animal Protection Laws Rankings”). While some states consider it a hit-and-run if the person who struck the animal leaves, Kentucky does not. Animals are not viewed as more than standard property in the eyes of the law. Not a living being. Not someone’s entire world. No more than if a rock were to be thrown in front of the vehicle. 

Evie was always larger than life. She deserves for this absolute tragedy to bring about change. I would like to try to get laws passed that not only view animals as living property, but also have harsher penalties for injuring or killing them in vehicular accidents.

Dogs have been scientifically shown to have the vocabulary of a 2- to 3-year-old (Coren). She was part GSD, which ranks third for intelligence. If a 2-3-year-old child ran into the road, the penalties would be much harsher. She deserves at least a fraction of that treatment. She deserves to be treated like her life mattered.

If the roles were reversed and she were to injure someone, regardless of whether it was accidental or not, she would have been seized by animal control, I would have financial or criminal consequences, and she would have been potentially euthanized (“§ 90.62 DOGS and ANIMALS WHICH HAVE ATTACKED or BITTEN.”). Yet her life doesn’t matter? It cannot go both ways.

I believe that between her following, my following, and the general understanding that animals deserve more protection under the law, we have a chance to create a law that will protect dogs and other domesticated animals for years to come.

 However, I have no idea where to start. Today is the first day I have even been able to form a coherent thought after mourning my soulmate since the accident. I don’t want this to be her story. I don’t want to see the accident every time I close my eyes. I want her to be remembered for the pup who was adored by all and the adventures she went on, but I feel getting this passed would be a very important piece of her story.

This will not be easy. But I won’t stop until this change is implemented in hopes that others don’t have to suffer the same fate I have. I would not wish this pain on my worst enemy.

With this petition, I hope to urge lawmakers to take action by enhancing laws to impose stricter punishments on individuals who hit domestic animals with vehicles. We need to ensure that drivers who speed through residential areas face significant penalties if their recklessness results in the harm or death of our cherished pets. This will serve as a deterrent and encourage drivers to remain vigilant and responsible.

Moreover, let's push for a reclassification of domestic animals as "living property." Designating them as such acknowledges their role as beloved companions and family members rather than mere objects. It will also increase their protection within the courtroom (“Living Property: A New Status for Animals within the Legal System | Animal Legal & Historical Center”).

This reclassification would not only elevate the legal standing of domestic animals but also potentially increase penalties for harm caused to them. It’s a necessary step towards ensuring justice and respect for the bond between humans and their pets.

Your signature can make a difference. This isn't just about one tragic incident; it's about preventing further heartbreak for Kentucky pet owners. Let's stand together for stronger, more compassionate laws for our furry friends. Please sign this petition urging Kentucky lawmakers to take immediate action. Please share this with everyone you know to spread the word so we cannot be swept under the rug. Evie's Law will be a reality. 

Thank you for your dedication to ensuring our furry friends have a brighter tomorrow,

Grace Vazquez

Sources: 

1. Animal Legal Defense Fund. “2019 U.S. Animal Protection Laws State Rankings - Animal Legal Defense Fund.” Animal Legal Defense Fund, 2019, aldf.org/project/us-state-rankings/.
2. Coren, Stanley. “Smarter than You Think: Renowned Canine Researcher Puts Dogs’ Intelligence on Par with 2-Year-Old Human.” Apa.org, 2020, www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2009/08/dogs-think

3. “§ 90.62 DOGS and ANIMALS WHICH HAVE ATTACKED or BITTEN.” American Legal Publishing, 2026, codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/covington/latest/covington_ky/0-0-0-20381. Accessed 26 June 2026.

4. “Living Property: A New Status for Animals within the Legal System | Animal Legal & Historical Center.” Animallaw.info, 2010, www.animallaw.info/article/living-property-new-status-animals-within-legal-system