CALIFORNIA RESIDENTS: 
Current convictions for felony animal abuse carry a maximum penalty of approximately three years, which means most of these criminals will never serve time in prison and simply be put on probation.  This is sending the wrong message to people.
Statistics show that in up to 70% of domestic violence cases there has also been animal abuse.  In 88% of homes where child abuse occurs there is also animal abuse.  Most serial killers have begun by abusing animals.  We must stop this cycle of violence.  This begins with stricter punishment for convicted animal abusers.
Please help me in convincing the California legislature that we must toughen government mandated sentencing law for animal abuse.  This will save the lives of many innocent victims, both human and our companion animals.
If you have not already, please consider also signing the following petition:  http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/send-an-abuser-to-jail

We the undersigned request you consider changing the current maximum sentences for convicted animal abusers. 
As the law currently stands, the maximum punishment for felony animal abuse is three years.  This usually results in no time served and probation to the convicted abuser.  This is unacceptable and merely a slap on the hand and does nothing to deter the behavior.
Statistics from the National District Attorney's Association outline the link between animal abuse and domestic violence.  Over 70% of women entering shelters report animal abuse also occurred in their home.  Research indicates that approximately 88% of homes where there is child abuse there is also animal abuse.  There is a long-established link between serial killers and animal abuse.
We must put stricter punishment in place for those who will abuse animals to end this cycle of violence against innocent victims, some who cannot speak for themselves.  It is time to say enough is enough.  If you abuse an animal, we are going to send you to prison.
Please seriously consider this petition request by the citizens of California to change the sentencing structure for animal abusers.  We make this request of all those who cannot come before you with their stories of pain and suffering.
Thank you for you consideration of the matter.