On June 23, 2023, an emotional support dog named Billy was seized after he protected his family from an aggressive encounter. His owner's sister was shopping when an officer approached her from behind and grabbed her aggressively. In response to this perceived threat, Billy acted protectively. Since that day, he has been held in a kennel with little to no human contact and hasn't been walked or allowed out of his small space for almost seven months.

Billy is not just a pet; he is a certified emotional support animal who plays a significant role in maintaining the mental health of his owner. The American Disabilities Act recognizes the importance of such animals and protects their rights (ADA). Yet despite having all necessary documentation for Billy's release, authorities have kept him confined.

This situation isn't just about one dog; it reflects broader issues around animal rights and law enforcement's understanding of emotional support animals. According to the National Service Animal Registry (NSAR), there are over 200k registered service animals in America that provide essential comfort and assistance to their owners.

We believe that this incident represents a misunderstanding on behalf of law enforcement regarding the role and rights of emotional support animals like Billy. We urge them to reconsider their decision based on ADA guidelines protecting such animals' rights.

Please sign this petition urging local authorities to release Billy back into his loving home where he can continue providing much-needed emotional support. Your signature can help bring justice not only for Billy but also set precedent for other similar cases involving service animals nationwide.