Senator Mike Fasano: I wanted to express my appreciation for your introduction of S206.  This bill would have given similar protection under the term "domestic abuse" to domesticated animals as well as humans.  I applaud your efforts, and hope the premature death of this bill in committee will not dampen your efforts to reintroduce this important piece of legislature.We at the Animal Justice Rally Group have been campaigning towards more balanced justice toward animal victims of cruelty, violence, and neglect.  All too often we see these cases brushed off because it's "only an animal" and people "don't want a {man's} life ruined because of an animal." 

Click here: http://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2011/0206/BillText/Filed/PDF
Legislation like S206 would go a long way toward rectifying that issue.On our website we have documented a number of studies and anecdotal evidence regarding the links between cruelty against animals and cruelty against humans  http://animaljusticerallygroup.weebly.com/facts-about-animal-abuse.html Indeed, one of our active cases (Johnson, Bay County) is a direct example of domestic violence spilling into violence against the family pets, with fatal results.In Manatee County, they have begun a Guardian Ad Litem program specifically for animal victims. http://www.baynews9.com/article/news/2011/may/251634/Abused-animals-in-Manatee-County-getting-a-voice?cid=rss 

When we approached Okaloosa County SA Bill Bishop about this very thing, he responded that "animals aren't children, and don't receive the same rights under our laws."  How is Manatee County able to institute this program, while Okaloosa County is not?I appreciate your service to the citizens of Florida.With respectMichelle McCormickFort Walton Beach, Florida
Animal Justice Rally Group member
Dear Friends of all animals:
Please sign this petition if you believe as I do.
Check out FLORIDA:SB 206 UPDATE:DOMESTIC PET VIOLENCE LAW SHOULD INCLUDE PET violence.
Thanking you,
AnimalActionUSA