Don’t Let Animal Abusers Become Child Abusers

Target: Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the United States House of Representatives

Goal: Demand stricter prosecution of animal abusers to protect animals and people from violence.

Each year, over 10 million animals are abused to death throughout the U.S., with countless others suffering from severe, human-inflicted physical and psychological trauma. While animal cruelty is typically regarded as an isolated issue, the link between animal cruelty and violence against humans and other illegal activities has been relatively well established. One study found over 71% of perpetrators of domestic violence abused their pets as well, while an estimated 88% of child abusers were also reported animal abusers.

The Animal Cruelty Enforcement Act of 2021 was introduced to the House in hopes of dedicating more substantial legal resources towards prosecuting animal abusers. This act recognizes that the lack of a dedicated animal crimes enforcement unit in the U.S. has resulted in an insufficient and delayed responses to animal cruelty crimes. If passed, Congress would establish an Animal Cruelty Crimes Section within the Department of Justice’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. This section would be able to enforce federal laws prohibiting animal cruelty to allow for more direct, and effective responses towards investigating and prosecuting cases of animal abuse.

Sign this petition to demand the Animal Cruelty Enforcement Act of 2021 be passed, and that animals receive greater legal protections under federal law.

PETITION LETTER:

Dear Speaker Pelosi,

Cruelty towards animals has been connected to violence towards humans and other illegal activities, including domestic violence, child abuse, sexual assault, homicide, and drug trafficking. However, current federal approaches to cases of animal abuse are slow and ineffective, and tens of millions of animals are left to suffer severe physical and psychological trauma at the hands of their abusers. The introduction of the Animal Cruelty Enforcement Act of 2021 to Congress provides a new hope for animals and people affected by human-inflicted violence. Through establishing an Animal Cruelty Crimes Section within the Department of Justice’s Environment and Natural Resources Division, this act would allow for more adequate investigation and prosecution of animal abuse.

We are asking you, Speaker Pelosi, to support this act and encourage more federal protections for animals throughout the country.

Sincerely,

[Your Name Here]

Photo Credit: Алефіренко Петро Геннадіевич