Target: Pam Bondi, U.S. Attorney General
Goal: Support initiatives intended to punish animal cruelty and bolster animal welfare.
A series of convictions in animal cruelty cases that have grabbed headlines signals a promising shift toward animal welfare. In a Virginia case, a woman accused of subjecting dogs on her property to deplorable – and in one instance deadly – living conditions was found guilty of several animal cruelty counts, including a felony conviction. Likewise, a Nelson County man was convicted of felony charges as well following the discovery of a dead puppy and other reportedly malnourished animals on his property. In Illinois, a man convicted of killing a family member and a pet dog with a hammer will serve a 30-year prison sentence.
But perhaps the most significant win for animal welfare came during the National Justice for Animals Week, when the attorney general announced that the Department of Justice (DOJ) would begin prioritizing animal welfare enforcement…amid major nationwide lapses as detailed in this ForceChange petition. The department will partner with other relevant agencies (via an Animal Welfare Executive Strategy Committee) like the Department of Agriculture to strengthen investigation and prosecution of animal cruelty cases. A Tiger Team comprised of law enforcement will be deployed to assist in animal rescues and search warrant executions. In addition, an annual Animal Welfare Summit will take place at the DOJ that will bring together agents and prosecutors nationwide for one week of intensive training in animal welfare-related investigation and prosecution. Further, the department plans to use seized assets from cases to help care for rescued animals and has announced a wide rollout of planned grants and funding for animal welfare nonprofits.
Sign the petition below to laud these important developments.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Attorney General Bondi,
“I have fought against animal abuse my entire career and will never stop working to prosecute the sick individuals who prey upon innocent animals.” This declaration announcing the DOJ’s renewed commitment to animal welfare enforcement was accompanied by your affirmation that animals are family members and not only should have but deserve our protection. Thank for you taking decisive actions against crimes and victims that are too often overlooked, dismissed, or forgotten.
And thank you for making National Justice for Animals Week more than just a symbolic gesture.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: Rajesh Balouria
