France has just passed this recently and as Americans we need to do what is right by classifying our animals and beloved pets as sentient beings. They are well aware of pain, love, hate,compassion for others as well as many others. We consider them part of the family and very many of us share our beds with them. What better way to protect our animals from abuse than to recognize them as sentient beings and that anyone who would abuse them would be held accountable by the penal code for justice on their behalf! It's time for America to do something about it and bring us out of an older age where our pets and other animals something more than ownable property. You can't abuse a clock or chair but our beloved fur babies feel every punch and kick and basically scream and cry in pain. If as honorable law abiding Americans who want to see true justice brought to our pets and other animals with in our country who are abused or neglected in any way that would be about the same as our children then please find it in your heart to sign this petition and make our voices heard. Remember this country was founded by the people and only the voices of the people can make a vital difference in getting this law changed. POWER TO THE PEOPLE!