The story is rather simple. Man loses dog, man refuses to be separated and willfully walk away.
A contentious divorce taking years while separated from his best friend, would lead him to question the overall attitude, injustice, and acceptance for those non-humans we share on this one planet.
Despite numerous similar cases heard in other States for Pet Recognition, shamefully your pet is viewed as a table, lamp or other similar inert "object." Under Fourth Amendment rights, people are not aware that animals are still considered "property."
However, Senate Bill 1261 passed in Illinois in 2017 (signed into law as Public Act 100-0422) was passed , setting precedence as one of few States recognizing pets during divorce. A model for other state legislatures to consider for the best welfare of the pet and its family.
From those humble beginnings and early efforts, however, would not be enough. Impassioned, it would further be evident that this was only the beginning. From there, sights were set on petitioning other States to recognize similar laws, that tethering laws be enforced, and Puppy Mills be wiped out. From there, Animal Humane Advocacy was then formed in effort to provide a voice on larger legislative issues, petitioning, and efforts to raise awareness.
Approximately 500,000 puppies per year are bred in puppy mills, facilities known for their filthy, overcrowded conditions and the unhealthy animals they produce.
What you can do.
American Veterinary Medical Association
California by far the most aggressive in Tethering Laws, allows only for the person to complete a temporary task while restricting the animal. As of 2019, 22 states and the District of Columbia have laws on dog tethering/chaining.
No animal, be it dog to a stake in the ground, elephant to a post, or monkey on a leash used for exploitation deserves such prolonged, neglectful confinement.
Whereas the laws are designed to protect the best interests of human children in divorce, the laws for pets are intended to benefit the owner instead. Much less about divorce is the subject, while more importantly about the pet.
This law is in fact being challenged as we speak in many States, and is the primary example written in depth about in Never Left Behind.
A more difficult law, as people are reluctant giving rights to animals, they can however be challenged by contacting your State Leaders responsible for introducing new laws for introduction.
Ironically many of those scenarios above including overflowing shelters, neglect, and unnecessary euthanasia can be curtailed.
“The world would be a nicer place if everyone had the ability to love as unconditionally as a dog.”
~ M.K. Clinton ~
“The only creatures that are evolved enough to convey pure love are dogs and infants.”
~ Johnny Depp ~
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