I am a pet parent - a loving guardian to creatures who enrich my life daily with their affection and companionship. They have feelings and emotions, just like us humans. However, in the face of cruelty, they are not accorded the same level of protection. Goddard’s Law, also known as House Bill 60, is currently an important deterrent for animal cruelty, but it needs to be stronger.

Goddard’s Law does provide felony charges for persons knowingly causing serious physical harm to a companion animal - a great step from a previous law that barely acknowledged such abuses as a problem. Yet, with increasing reports of animal cruelty (RSPCA, 2019), we need laws that treat these heinous acts not merely as harm to property, but harm to sentient beings who feel pain and distress.

With your support, we can urge the lawmakers to enhance the penalties described in Goddard's Law. Stronger penalties would work as a deterrent, reducing the number of animal abuse cases. Our beloved pets, who bring so much joy to our lives, deserve protection. Sign this petition to demand stronger charges under Goddard's Law, and offer hope and protection to animals everywhere.