Witnesses in Hawai'i recently saw multiple situations in which an unidentified man wearing a pink shirt and a baseball cap
abused his dog while out on a walk. Several videos from different angles and distances show the man
tugging at the dog's leash hard enough to lift it from the ground and pull at its throat, potentially choking it. Then, at another point,
he kicks the dog. And finally, when he sees a witness in a car filming him,
he lunges at the car.It's important for officials to hold this man responsible - but it's even more important for Hawai'i to pass stronger laws protecting pets and other animals from such abuse. Sign the petition to demand that lawmakers pass HB 698!It's still unclear if authorities have identified the man responsible or pressed any charges. But what is clear is that Hawai'i's animal protection laws simply aren't strong enough.
That's why animal lovers in the state are urging lawmakers to pass HB 698. This bill would strengthen animal cruelty laws and increase penalties for people found guilty of abuse, injurious behavior, or killing an animal.
In fact, some animal advocates in Hawai'i say that
even if officials locate the man responsible for abusing his dog in this video, under the state's current laws,
the dog might end up returned back to this same man anyway.We must urge Hawai'i lawmakers to pass HB 698 and create stronger protections for animal welfare in their state! Sign the petition to help defenseless animals!