Dear Americans, Members of Congress, Senators, and USDA Officials

Stop Euthanizing Hungry Companion Animals: Approve USDA Food Access for Compassion Animals

Dear Members of Congress, Senators, and FDA Officials

As someone who has dedicated their life to caring for animals, I want to bring hope to American companion animal families. My passion for animal welfare began when I was just five years old and received my first rescued dog, Lady. Today, millions of America's companion animals are going hungry and being euthanized because families cannot feed them.

The price of pet food has surged, with a 45.5% increase on average compared to 2020 prices. Factors such as rising ingredient costs and inflation contribute to this alarming trend. While corporate profits soar, millions of Americans grapple with food insecurity and reside in food deserts.

As of 2023, over 66% of U.S. households, totaling 86.9 million homes, have cherished pets. In 2022, Americans spent a staggering $136.8 billion on their pets, demonstrating the profound bond and responsibility we hold toward our animal companions.

Today, America faces a multitude of challenges and opportunities. To reaffirm our greatness as a nation, we must unite with a shared intent and determination, transcending wealth, age, gender, politics, color, or race. We are one nation, indivisible, and our collective greatness hinges on our collective commitment to our values.

I stand before you as one individual, representing the countless voices that cannot speak for themselves but deeply love humanity. Our message is simple: compassion, empathy, and ethical treatment of all sentient beings are paramount. We must recognize the interconnectedness of all living creatures and assume the responsibility to care not only for their well-being but also for the entire natural world.

Today, my focus is clear: ending the suffering and hunger experienced by families and their beloved companion animals who lack access to food and shelter. While it may seem insignificant to some, the struggle is real for many who are going to bed hungry and homeless, both humans and their loyal animal companions.

It is imperative that government programs addressing food insecurity and food deserts extend their reach to the 66% of American households with companion animals. This is not a trivial matter; it is a humane imperative. We at the American Companion Animal Humane Society {ACAHS.ORG} have tirelessly advocated for over fifteen years, and we urge you to listen and act, especially with companion animal food prices soaring by 45% in just three years.

 This is why we started a petition to demand that Congress, the Senate, and the USDA address this growing issue of food insecurity and food deserts. We must extend our compassion and humanity to all sentient beings, and this includes the two-thirds of American households with companion animals.

As Albert Schweitzer once said, "Until mankind extends the circle of his compassion to all living things, he will not himself find peace." We must act now to end the suffering and hunger experienced by families and their beloved companions who lack access to food and shelter.

Please sign and share our petition to bring hope to America's starving pets. Together, we can make a change happen. https://chng.it/WvmnZjXNML

Sincerely,
Steve Monahan, Executive Director, GreenPets America - Nokill Advocacy Center

501c3.Founded 2006
www.GreenPetsAmerica.org