Animal Cruelty

Mississippi is one of three states in our nation that does not a felony law for cruelty to animals.  In fact, MSNBC reports that Mississippi, Idaho, North Dakota, Hawaii and Kentucky have the weakest animal cruelty laws.  In the state of Mississippi pet owners are not required by law to provide basic care for their animals.  This is unacceptable.

My goal is to aid in the passing of legislation in each of these states that will result in harsher punishments for people who harm, neglect, fight, or abandon their animals.

If you would like to show your support for this issue in the state of Mississippi, please visit www.MS-FACT.com and sign their petition to make intentional cruelty to animals a felony.

Anyone can write a letter to their state senator or local government officials to make them aware of your concern for the wellbeing of our animals.  To find your local representatives visit www.capitolconnect.com.

I sent the following letter to Mississippi Senator Bob Dearing.  You can use this as a model to write a letter to your officials!

Senator Bob Dearing

Room: 215 BP. O. Box 1018
Jackson, MS 39215

Dear Senator Dearing:

My name is Ryan Henry and I am a student at Oak Grove High School in Hattiesburg, Mississippi.  I have always had a special place in my heart for animals.  Two years ago, I learned that an average of 6 million animals is humanely euthanized each year.  I found this fact appalling. I immediately began volunteering at Southern Pines Animal Shelter in hopes that I could help change this statistic.  Since then I have adopted a Dalmatian, Dixie and a cat, Black Jack.

As you know, Mississippi is one of only four states in the nation that does not have a felony law for cruelty to animals. As the law stands, intentional cruelty to animals is a misdemeanor.  I consider this a serious issue that must be addressed.  Therefore, I would like to aide in the passing of legislation that will result in a felony charge for cruelty to animals.

As a student in our community, I believe that I could be an excellent advocate for this much needed change in legislation.  For this reason, I would like to actively endorse your efforts.  If there are any steps that I can take to raise awareness of this issue, or aide your efforts in any way please let me know.

Sincerely,

Ryan Henry