Pets are family, not property. Laws need changing

My name is Chip Watkins and I'm fundraising to change laws that are allowing our pets to be mistreated and killed, with no recourse.

By law, pets are considered property in 49 states. Only Oregon recognizes companion animals as sentient creatures. We have been indoctrinated and bullied into believing that our loved ones have no value, like a table lamp or chair. Animal advocates know that couldn't be further from the truth. Our companion animals are, in fact, sentient creatures. They have the capacity to feel, to think, to emote and to love just like human beings.

Veterinarians are part of a self-governing organization. They police themselves and, as such, rarely follow "discipline firmly and fairly" but rather a "coddle and protect" approach, which allows serial offending veterinarians to continue to practice and cause mayhem in the lives of unsuspecting pet parents by causing the permanent injury or death of companion animals. Their is a small percentage of veterinarians that are "bad actors" either incompetent, dishonest or both. They fear little, as their malpractice carriers both pay for defense and settlements where considered furniture, in most cases, does not amount to much as a result of their negligence or malpractice.

We need to change this, whether by stricter oversight, new legislation or a dismantling of vet boards and reforming the process for justice in the profession, action needs to be forthcoming and impactful. Help me accomplish this. I lost my best friend. Many have. Joey's legacy (https://joeyslegacy.org) is one such group that recognizes the pain of these loss's. They have made great strides towards that end. They have assisted over 400 victims of veterinary negligence / malpractice. Help me do my part.

New York Post on Taro: https://nypost.com/2022/01/19/patchogue-animal-hospital-sued-for-medical-negligence-malpractice/