Success: Delaware Strays Now Protected by Law

Target: John Carney, Governor of Delaware

Goal: Support the extension of animal rights to homeless, free-roaming animals.

Cats in at least one state will no longer have to be attached to a human to receive much-needed protections and humane treatment under the law. As ForceChange calls to action such as this one highlight, crimes committed against free-roaming animals are at epidemic levels. Delaware, America’s first state, is once again blazing trails by enacting new legislation that now shields homeless or feral cats within its animal cruelty statutes.

Under previous Delaware law, actions committed against a domesticated animal that caused “unnecessary or unjustifiable physical pain” were classified as animal cruelty that could carry up to a felony conviction. The new extensions just signed by the state’s governor ensure that vulnerable cats roaming the streets will receive equal protection from those who would do them harm and will receive equal justice in the courts.

The revised law also combats the crisis of an increasing homeless cat population. It gives concerned citizens greater leeway to bring a free-roaming cat in for spaying and neutering without the burden of taking ownership of the animal. This addendum could bolster a vital service provided by many shelters: a service that helps contain future populations of animals more prone to abuse, sickness, and injury.

Sign the petition below to celebrate and encourage one state’s concerted efforts at animal advocacy for all.

PETITION LETTER:

Dear Governor Carney,

Thank you for recognizing that all animals, regardless of their status as pets, are entitled to fair and humane treatment. The passage of House Bill 235 validates the importance of countless living beings and future generations. Each animal that surrounded you as you signed this important legislation likely represents hundreds if not thousands of lives saved.

Please continue establishing Delaware as a leader in animal welfare by strengthening animal rights statewide and encouraging stronger animal rights nationwide.

Sincerely,

[Your Name Here]

Photo Credit: Sophie Riches