Target: Lynn Fitch, Attorney General of Mississippi
Goal: Strengthen cruelty laws to ensure comprehensive protection for all animals and harsher penalties for abusers.
Mississippi has been ranked among the worst states for animal protection laws, leaving many animals vulnerable to neglect and abuse. While laws exist to prosecute cases of cruelty, significant gaps in the legal system prevent adequate protection. The Animal Legal Defense Fund ranked Mississippi as the fifth-worst state for animal welfare, citing critical shortcomings such as limited species covered under anti-cruelty laws and the absence of mandatory psychological evaluations and treatment for offenders.
Current laws only apply to specific animals, including cats, dogs, and equines, leaving many other species without legal protection from cruelty and neglect. Additionally, Mississippi lacks provisions preventing convicted animal abusers from owning or residing with animals, increasing the risk of repeat offenses. The state’s laws also fail to address animal health crises, as studies reveal alarming rates of diseases such as heartworm, hookworm, and feline leukemia among Mississippi’s pets.
To create meaningful change, Mississippi lawmakers must enact stronger legal protections, broaden the scope of species covered under cruelty laws, and introduce mandatory sentencing provisions that prevent repeat offenses. Sign below and demand immediate legislative action to protect the well-being of all animals in the state.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear AG Fitch,
Mississippi has been ranked among the worst states for animal welfare due to significant gaps in its animal protection laws. The current legal framework only applies to certain species, leaving countless animals without essential legal safeguards. Additionally, critical sentencing provisions, such as restrictions on animal ownership for convicted abusers and mandated psychological treatment, remain absent in many cases of cruelty.
A recent analysis also revealed alarming health concerns among the state’s animals, with Mississippi ranking among the highest for heartworm, hookworm, and feline leukemia infections. These issues highlight the need for stronger legal protections to ensure the well-being of all animals.
We urge you to take immediate legislative action by expanding anti-cruelty laws to cover all animals, implementing mandatory psychological evaluations for offenders, and strengthening penalties to prevent future abuse. The current system is failing Mississippi’s animals, and it is time to enact laws that truly protect them.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo credit: Nishant Aneja
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