As a member of a low-income family with pets, I rely heavily on our local shelter's pet food pantry. Unfortunately, it is almost always empty due to the lack of donations. One day, a friend took me to a local pet store and showed me something shocking in their dumpster - tons of pet food, animal toys, cat litter and even live fish destroyed and thrown away. This waste was happening while our local shelters are struggling to feed the animals they house.

In Kitsap County alone, there are thousands of families like mine who depend on these pantries for their pets' survival. At the same time, according to national statistics from the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP), nearly 10 million pounds of pet food go wasted each year in America.

This is not just about reducing waste; it's about supporting our community members who need help feeding their pets. It's about ensuring that every animal in our shelters has enough food.

We call upon all local pet stores in Kitsap County - stop throwing away unused or unsold pet food! Instead, donate it to local shelters where it can be put into good use feeding animals in need.

Please sign this petition if you believe that no animal should go hungry when there is plenty of unused food being wasted daily. Together we can make a difference for both people and pets in Kitsap County!