PETITION CLOSED
PETITION TARGET: President of the Ohio Senate Larry Obhof
UPDATE (1/8/20): On Wednesday, January 6, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine signed House Bill 33, requiring veterinarians, law enforcement officers, social workers, and other front-line workers to report all suspected animal abuse directly to authorities.
Imagine a beaten, bloody dog rushed through an animal hospital’s doors, her body broken from abuse. Veterinarians treat her injuries — but then hand the helpless puppy back into the arms of her abuser, never letting police know what happened.
This scenario is entirely possible in Ohio, where no law mandates vets or social service professionals to report suspected abuse. But new legislation could help save abandoned and abused animals from brutal cruelty.
The Ohio House recently passed a bill requiring professionals who suspect an animal has suffered maltreatment to report the matter to the police or humane agents.
House Bill 33 implements “cross-reporting mechanisms and procedures to ensure law enforcement is notified of suspected abuse against a companion animal.” Now, it heads to the Ohio Senate and awaits committee assignment.
We must speak out to ensure it’s enacted and to prevent the suffering of neglected or abused companion animals.
Sign this petition urging President of the Ohio Senate Larry Obhof to pass House Bill 33, requiring professionals to report suspected cases of animal cruelty and potentially save the lives of dogs and cats.
