As an owner of a cat rescue in Ohio, I have witnessed firsthand the heart-wrenching effects of animal cruelty, neglect, and abandonment. Our beloved pets deserve to feel safe and loved. When they are not, we need laws that protect them. Yet our current legislation falls short.

Ohio's existing laws allow for animals to be kept on chains outside for unlimited periods of time and do not require adequate shelter for these helpless creatures. Furthermore, there is no limit on the number of animals one can own which often leads to cases of hoarding and severe neglect.

It is also concerning that reports from rescues or individuals about abuse are often not taken seriously enough by authorities. This lackadaisical approach towards animal welfare needs immediate rectification.

According to the Animal Legal Defense Fund's 2020 report, Ohio ranks 30th in the nation for animal protection laws - a clear indication that there is much room for improvement.

We propose changes including stricter penalties for animal cruelty, mandatory reporting requirements when abuse is suspected, limitations on pet ownership numbers to prevent hoarding situations and enforceable standards for proper sheltering conditions.

The days when animals suffer at the hands of their owners or those who are supposed to protect them should be long over. We NEED new laws and we NEED them now! Join us in urging lawmakers in Ohio to strengthen our state's animal protection laws today! Please sign this petition if you believe all animals deserve love, care and respect.