Animals have been neglected for far too long because they are merely considered as property and the laws are way too lenient. Animals feel pain, they bond with their young, some bond with humans, and once obtained by humans they are fully dependent upon them for sustenance and survival. They are also exposed to the most deplorable neglect, cruelty and abuse that should never happen to a helpless animal by any human. Beginning with changing the status of domestic cats and dogs from personal property to an extended family member would be a great start. Families pay hundreds to thousands a year on food and vet bills when placed in good homes. For people who choose to starve, dump, abuse, torture, etc there must be tougher penalties. People who abuse or kill animals, go on to abuse & kill people. Many studies have shown this so if we protect the animals, like we should, we will protect people.
If you are proposing toughter laws for animal abusers and people that neglect animals, thanni agree. However, making them family members, legally, invites the government and more government regultion into the lives of pet owners. Less government regulation is needed. Not more. We dont need the government getting involved in our lives. If you mistreat or neglect an animal, you should be punished…that is local law enforcement, not the federal government.
Changing laws to protect our animals as we protect our family would not give government any more control over us as they do now. If this election wasn’t proof enough that the people in Washington work for “We the People” and not the other way around than we have more work to do! There’s NO reason why we cannot make laws stronger to protect our animals from abuse, neglect, torture and evil inflicted from humans. “Be kind to Animals” isn’t just a phrase it’s a way to look into someone’s heart & soul and see the kind of person they are. People don’t have to own them or love them, just be kind, respect them and never harm them as they do people.
I fully agree with tougher laws on animal abuse and neglict. However, considering them family members is not feasible. Domestic animals are still considered property andvshould bevfor legal purposes.
Well this is America and you’re entitled to your opinion, but I am also entitled to continue to strongly disagree with it. Not everyone thinks the same way, conducts their lives in the same way, has compassion for other people, places, animals, children or wildlife in the same way as the majority of people in this country. This is why we have laws in this country because not all people are good people and the voiceless need protection laws too. President Trump was on the trail proposing a bill to jail people for a year for burning the flag. While this is disgraceful, think of how disgustingly disgraceful it is when it’s an animal that’s been set on fire? This happens way more than you can imagine and it must stop!