Target: Tate Reeves, Governor of Mississippi
Goal: Support enhanced charges and penalties for the most serious animal cruelty offenses.
In a promising sign of change, the state with what many believe to be the weakest animal welfare laws in the United States will now decisively punish animal abusers with some of the nation’s strongest laws. Horrific crimes against animals have long plagued Mississippi, including a recent disturbing incident where a dead dog was discovered at a canine-selling swap meet. Signers of this ForceChange petition joined in calls for reform. The governor has listened and answered with validation of a landmark law for the state.
Senate Bill 2658 passed with surprisingly strong support in the state legislature. In contrast to previous laws, which offered little to nothing in the way of serious felony charges, the new legal dictate unequivocally distinguishes aggravated animal cruelty (the worst of cruelty offenses) as a felony. Critically, if more than one animal is harmed, separate charges may be levied for each victim. Individuals who are repeat offenders on these sick acts may go to prison for two decades.
Sign the petition below to thank Governor Reeves for his role in rectifying this dangerous oversight in animal welfare protections.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Governor Reeves,
Previous animal cruelty laws in Mississippi included destructive loopholes that enabled too many convicted animal abusers to get off with essentially a free pass for their crimes. The passage of Senate Bill 2658 helped put a halt to this horrible trend. Your signature will ensure the law now reflects the gravity of animal cruelty felonies.
Thank you for helping protect Mississippi’s innocent animals for years to come.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: Rohitink
