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
Senate Bill 2658. AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 97-41-16, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REVISE THE OFFENSE OF ABUSE OF A DOMESTICATED DOG OR CAT; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI: SECTION 1. Section 97-41-16, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows: 97-41-16.
PRAISE TO THE LORD!!!
Animals need ALL THE HELP THEY CAN GET in this crazy world!!!
I really hope the law will be enforced and help protect all animals. Thanks for your support in helping nature and all it’s beings and wonders, thrive not just survive.
Yes! having a law and enforcing the law is a different matter. Hold the governor accountable and see how fast things get done.
All animal abusers internationally must have the death penalty implemented and nothing less.
Dear Governor Reese –
As an animal lover, I want to thank you for helping protect Mississippi’s innocent animals for years to come.
God bless you!
Hooray, a caritative soul came to protect innocent animals!
Let’s now rejoice!