Support Hazel's Right to Keep her Emotional Support Animals
Support Hazel's Right to Keep her Emotional Support Animals
The Issue
In Fall 2020, Hazel, a brave little girl was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at the tender age of two in St. Catharines, Ontario. As part of her journey and struggle with this illness, she had to endure more than 20 needle sticks every single day. On recommendation from her medical team at the McMaster, Hazel adopted chickens as her Emotional Support Animals (ESAs). They are more than just pets, they are a source of comfort and support for her, a lifeline to cope with her daily hardship. Hazel loves her chickens, singing to them, sharing stories about her day, and taking joy in collecting their eggs.
Now, however, the local SPCA threatens to take these lifelines away from Hazel. The potential separation from her ESAs could have damaging impacts on her mental and emotional well-being. ESAs have been recognized as having dramatic effects on the daily lives of children with chronic illnesses. The simple act of nurturing and caring for these animals can give them a sense of semblance, hope, and normalcy that is often lost due to their regular medical routine (Caring For Kids, Canadian Paediatric Society).
It is hard to fathom that Hazel's rights should be overlooked. She is not just having pets; these animals are a critical part of her health plan and help manage the constant challenges that come with her diagnosis. The removal of these animals infringes on Hazel's right to cope and navigate through her condition.
Consequently, we are urging the appropriate authorities to not take Hazel's Emotional Support Animals away. Hazel, like any other child with disabilities, should have her rights respected and nurtured by the society she lives in. This is a call to all compassionate residents of St. Catharines, and indeed the world, to help ensure Hazel keeps her beloved chickens - her emotional lifeline.
Sign this petition to stand with Hazel and protect her right to keep her Emotional Support Animals.
921
The Issue
In Fall 2020, Hazel, a brave little girl was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at the tender age of two in St. Catharines, Ontario. As part of her journey and struggle with this illness, she had to endure more than 20 needle sticks every single day. On recommendation from her medical team at the McMaster, Hazel adopted chickens as her Emotional Support Animals (ESAs). They are more than just pets, they are a source of comfort and support for her, a lifeline to cope with her daily hardship. Hazel loves her chickens, singing to them, sharing stories about her day, and taking joy in collecting their eggs.
Now, however, the local SPCA threatens to take these lifelines away from Hazel. The potential separation from her ESAs could have damaging impacts on her mental and emotional well-being. ESAs have been recognized as having dramatic effects on the daily lives of children with chronic illnesses. The simple act of nurturing and caring for these animals can give them a sense of semblance, hope, and normalcy that is often lost due to their regular medical routine (Caring For Kids, Canadian Paediatric Society).
It is hard to fathom that Hazel's rights should be overlooked. She is not just having pets; these animals are a critical part of her health plan and help manage the constant challenges that come with her diagnosis. The removal of these animals infringes on Hazel's right to cope and navigate through her condition.
Consequently, we are urging the appropriate authorities to not take Hazel's Emotional Support Animals away. Hazel, like any other child with disabilities, should have her rights respected and nurtured by the society she lives in. This is a call to all compassionate residents of St. Catharines, and indeed the world, to help ensure Hazel keeps her beloved chickens - her emotional lifeline.
Sign this petition to stand with Hazel and protect her right to keep her Emotional Support Animals.
921
Petition created on July 9, 2024