PETITION TARGET: Connecticut State House Speaker Matt Ritter
An innocent cat named Gem was doused with bleach and beaten to death in Fairfield, Connecticut, during a domestic dispute. Sadly, this was not the individual’s first horrific act of cruelty to animals — the same man was previously convicted for scalding a dog with hot water and breaking the ribs of another pup — and in all cases, the victims were companion animals of the women the abuser was dating at the time.
Sadly, domestic violence victimizes not only people, but their companion animals as well. Because of the very real threat of harm to their animals, up to up to 71% of victims stay with their abusers rather than leave their furry friends behind, according to research.
Connecticut shelters that take pets are limited and alternatives are hard to find.
“People are staying in dangerous, sometimes life-threatening situations because they just can’t find a safe place for their pet,” says state Senator Rick Lopes, who introduced a bill that would save the lives of animals and humans.
SB Bill 318 (An Act Concerning Animal Welfare) would create a network to guide domestic violence victims and their animal companions to safe shelter. The bill would take steps to lower the cost of spaying and neutering and improve processes to protect humans and animals from infectious diseases.
Sign our petition to urge Connecticut lawmakers to quickly pass this important legislation so no animal — or the person who loves them — is forced to remain in an abusive situation.
