Target: Nathan Hochman, District Attorney of Los Angeles County, California
Goal: File state animal-cruelty charges tied to a wildfire event that left pets and wildlife burned, suffocated, or dead, and seek strict, prevention-focused penalties for any wrongdoing.
Reports describe a fast-moving blaze that trapped pets in homes and yards while smoke and fire swept through neighborhoods. Accounts cite a rabbit found dead in debris, a cat that survived alone for weeks after her home burned, and another cat that suffered burns requiring surgery. Local veterinarians treated animals for smoke inhalation, burns, and severe distress. One family lost multiple companion animals, and a woman refused evacuation while staying with birds, a turtle, and a dog who are believed to have died.
Authorities have announced a federal indictment of a suspect for alleged fire-setting connected with this disaster. Advocates argue that state animal-cruelty statutes should also apply because countless domestic animals and free-ranging wildlife apparently endured intense fear, pain, and fatal injuries. Where protected species and community animals are concerned, accountability must include penalties that deter copycat behavior and support victim care.
Justice should not stop at arson-related counts when animals suffer. Appropriate state charges, restitution for veterinary costs, a long animal-possession ban, firearm restrictions where legally available, and mandated education or service with accredited wildlife-response programs can help prevent future harm. Such action signals zero tolerance for conduct that reportedly inflicted catastrophic suffering on vulnerable beings. This petition urges immediate pursuit of fitting animal-cruelty charges and strong sentencing recommendations.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear District Attorney Hochman,
Reports from this wildfire describe animals in crisis. Companion animals and wildlife were trapped amid flames and smoke, with veterinarians treating burns and inhalation injuries. One rabbit was recovered dead in rubble. A cat survived alone for months after her home burned, while another cat required surgery for painful burns. Accounts also indicate that multiple pets may have perished when owners could not safely evacuate with them.
A federal indictment addresses the alleged ignition of this blaze. However, the scale of animal suffering calls for state-level animal-cruelty charges as well. California law provides a pathway when conduct allegedly causes unnecessary pain, injury, or death to animals. Filing such charges would recognize victims whose anguish too often goes uncounted.
We respectfully urge your office to pursue appropriate animal-cruelty counts tied to this incident, and to seek sentencing terms that include restitution for veterinary care, a lengthy ban on owning or residing with animals, firearm restrictions where applicable, and mandated education or service with reputable animal-response organizations. Swift action can deliver accountability, deter future acts, and honor the lives reportedly lost or shattered.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo credit: Dirk
