Hold Reckless Drivers Accountable for Killing Pets

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Sponsor: The Animal Rescue Site

New York’s pets are being killed by reckless drivers, and weak laws allow it to continue. It’s time to stand up, demand justice, and protect the animals we love.

Hold Reckless Drivers Accountable for Killing Pets

New York’s pets deserve protection. Right now, the laws governing our streets fail to offer the safeguards our beloved animals need. The PAWS Act, currently under consideration by the New York State Legislature, aims to change that by imposing harsher penalties on drivers who injure or kill pets. This law could be the difference between justice and indifference for countless families who rely on their pets for companionship, service, and love.

Right now, if a driver strikes a dog or cat, they can get away with as little as a $50 fine—less than a parking ticket1. Pets are treated as disposable property under the current traffic laws, which offer more protection to sheep and goats than to the animals we bring into our homes2. The PAWS Act will change this, ensuring that pets are no longer an afterthought.

Harsher Penalties for Hit-and-Runs Involving Pets

If the PAWS Act becomes law, first-time offenders who hit a pet and flee the scene could face fines of up to $500, a significant increase from current penalties3. Repeat offenders would be subject to even stiffer fines—up to $750—and could even face jail time4. For service and guide animals, the fines would start at $250, recognizing the essential role these animals play in the lives of their owners5.

These stronger penalties aren’t just about punishing reckless drivers; they are about preventing future incidents. By making it clear that harming pets will not be tolerated, we can make our streets safer for everyone—pets, their owners, and all New Yorkers.

A Call for Compassion and Humanity

We cannot ignore the emotional toll that the loss of a pet brings. For many, pets are not just animals; they are family. When a reckless driver takes that away, it is devastating. Yet, the law continues to treat these losses with indifference, leaving families to grieve without justice. The PAWS Act seeks to restore humanity to the law, acknowledging that pets are living, feeling beings who deserve better than to be brushed aside in traffic law.

Andrew Gounardes, the New York State Senator sponsoring the bill, has said that the PAWS Act would “recognize the dignity and value of these nonhuman New Yorkers”1. This bill would finally close the gap between how we view pets in our hearts and how the law views them on the streets.

Make Your Voice Heard: Sign the Petition

The PAWS Act has the potential to save lives—not only by holding reckless drivers accountable but also by encouraging safer driving behavior around animals. Our pets are vulnerable, and without stronger protections, they will continue to be at risk. By signing this petition, you can help ensure the passage of the PAWS Act, giving New York’s pets the protection they deserve. Together, we can make a difference.

Sign the petition today and help bring compassion to New York’s roads.

More on this issue:

  1. Israel Salas-Rodriguez, The Sun (27 September 2024), "Drivers face new $750 fines under the ‘Paws Act’ as officials launch crackdown to protect animals on roads."
  2. Anthony Carlo, ABC 7 (24 September 2024), "Proposed bill will increase penalties against drivers who injure or kill a pet in New York."
  3. Maki Becker, WKBW (25 September 2024), "‘Dogs are people too’: Dog owners show support for PAWS Act proposed by NYS elected leaders."
  4. News 12 Staff, News 12 Brooklyn (25 September 2024), "PAWS Act could increase fines for NYC drivers who injure or kill pets."
  5. Miranda Levingston, Patch (25 September 2024), "Drivers Who Hit Pets Must Pay Up, BK Lawmaker’s New Bill Proposes."

The Petition

To the New York State Legislature,

We, the undersigned, strongly urge you to pass the PAWS Act, a critical piece of legislation designed to protect our beloved pets from the dangers of reckless driving. Every day, countless New Yorkers walk their dogs, let their cats roam, and rely on service animals to assist them—yet current traffic laws offer little protection to these cherished members of our families. The tragic reality is that under existing law, the loss of a pet due to careless drivers results in minimal consequences, often no more severe than a parking ticket.

It is time for New York to lead the way in recognizing the dignity and value of animals who share our homes and streets. Over one million dogs and cats call New York home, and they deserve the same compassion and legal protection afforded to any living being on our roads. The PAWS Act, with its steeper penalties for hit-and-run incidents involving pets, represents a long-overdue shift toward a more humane and just society.

The passage of the PAWS Act would set a powerful example for other states, demonstrating that the lives of our pets are worth more than a slap on the wrist. Pets are more than property—they are companions, helpers, and loyal members of our families. Laws must reflect that reality. This legislation is not just about punishment; it's about preventing future harm and creating a safer environment for all, including the animals we love.

We believe that a society is judged by how it treats its most vulnerable members. By supporting this act, New York will be sending a clear message that the lives of animals matter. Your actions will not only protect pets today but will also inspire future generations to carry forward a standard of compassion, responsibility, and justice for all living creatures.

Together, we can ensure a better future for all by safeguarding the lives of our pets and holding reckless drivers accountable.

Sincerely,

DEV MODE ACTIVE. BRAND: gg