Keep Violent Abusers From Killing and Torturing Animals

Target: Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives

Goal: Protect pets from falling victim to domestic violence.

A man in Tennessee allegedly beat a puppy in a bathtub so badly that blood splattered the walls. Meanwhile, an Ohio man is charged with poisoning a dog with narcotic drugs, ultimately leading to the animal’s death. What do these two suspects have in common? Like so many others, their arrests for animal cruelty were preceded by accusations of domestic violence.

In the former case, the accused—John Dudley, Jr.—reportedly threw his girlfriend against a wall and yelled at her “you want some?” when she tried to come to her pet’s aid. According to witnesses, he showed up at the residence the day following this incident and threatened to kill the woman and her family. The suspect involved in the drug overdose case—James Griffin, Jr.—apparently hurt the dog in retaliation against his mother, whom he had allegedly previously threatened. While both of these men face charges, their seeming victims might have been saved if laws were more stringent.

Anywhere from half to three-quarters of domestic violence victims claim pets were harmed or even killed by their abusers. In many cases, animals are used as sick leverage to control victims. Just like children, innocent pets trapped in violent households can suffer irreparable damage. Despite these troubling realities, many states have no laws on the books prohibiting pet ownership for someone convicted of domestic violence. In fact, 35 states do not even bar convicted animal abusers from adopting pets, much less domestic abusers.

This dangerous loophole needs national attention before more lives are needlessly lost. Sign the petition below to urge a federal law prohibiting individuals with an animal or domestic abuse conviction from securing pets.

PETITION LETTER:

Dear Speaker Pelosi,

Too many innocents are at the mercy of domestic abusers. Yet for one of these endangered groups, precious few legal protections are in place. Pets like cats and dogs reportedly become collateral damage in up to 75 percent of domestic violence cases. An abuser often knows how much a beloved animal means to an isolated victim. These animals are turned into targets for threats and assaults as a result.

We would not allow a person convicted of child abuse to adopt a child, yet in a surplus of states people who show themselves to be manipulative and dangerous abusers are allowed to keep animals. Even in cases of direct animal cruelty, convicted abusers can adopt pets in well over half of American states. If these at-risk animals ultimately die, we can lay part of the blame on laws that did not safeguard them.

Congress has demonstrated a willingness to tackle animal cruelty with measures like the PACT Act. Please take up the fight once more and close a lethal loophole that allows abusers unfettered access to potential future victims.

Sincerely,

[Your Name Here]

Photo Credit: Lachlan Ross


10 Comments

  1. Paula Morgan says:

    Of course nyse convicts of abuse needs to not be allowed any animals for the rest of their lives. This included future families of the abusers. Let them explain toe their kids why the family can not have a companion animal. Actually violent abuse has no place in society. There must be aa register so that these people are continually watched and monitored. It begins with animals and goes on from there to chid abuse, and on and on. If people can’t control themselves they the law must control them for the sake of society.

  2. Linda Hilty-Tuttle says:

    I’ll sign, but don’t expect Pelosi to care about anyone but herself and power and money!

    • David Ames says:

      Oh please shut up.

    • Manitou BloodRain says:

      I know you’re right. Inebriated Nash-y P’loshi, don’t care about anyone but herself and fellow p.o.s. dementiacrats. As for David Ames who told you to shut up, it’s a “free” country (won’t be now that dementiacrats are in charge) but freedom of speech went out the window with blm. But, for satisfaction, Mr Ames, unless YOU’RE willing to shut up too, then Linda Hilty-Tuttle, keep stating your opinion. First Amendment.

  3. All animal abusers internationally must have the mandatory death penalty implemented. A slow and agonising death for these evil cretins is essential.

  4. Jaime Perez says:

    The death penalty for animal abusers! They don’t deserve to be in society.

  5. LAWS NEED TO CHANGE IMMEDIATELY. THESE TWO WORTHLESS COWARDS SHOULD BE BEATEN WITHIN AN INCH OF THEIR MISERABLE LIVES.

  6. Don’t let law-givers let these psychopaths off with mandatory anger-management courses.These individuals do not change, only escalate.

  7. You are right Dawn, a violent person needs psychological help not just a slap on the wrist.
    Ladies, if you are in a relationship w/ someone who cannot control his temper, who threatens you, your kids, your pet – get away from that person as soon as possible. His pleads of “it will never happen again” are a lie and he knows it. It will happen again. You are worth more then being a “punching-bag”. You need to be a strong woman who protects her children and yes, the dog too.

    I don’t know if there is any way to stop the violence in our society, but I do know that resources are needed to help the victims -safe houses, counseling, training of police officers.
    Ms. Pelosi, please help the animals from all the abusive, sadistic acts that happen to them. We and only we who care about them can speak of their pain and horror and we cry knowing help coming may be too late.

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