Kano's Condition First Week After Arrival (BEFORE)
Kano's Condition as of January 2023
What is the inspiration behind Kano’s Law? (Our Story)
In February 2022, Kano was given to me as a foster pup by my coworker. Kano’s primary caretaker and owner was sadly diagnosed with health issues and temporarily placed in a care facility. Her adult son lived with her, but was incarcerated once again for a DUI and/or related charges. As a result, Kano was abandoned in a home with no heat in the frigid winter. The other dog in the home was discovered by my coworker deceased and decaying amongst the house debris.
Kano arrived at my home on February 18th. I was not and had not been prepared for the condition in which Kano arrived. He was dirty and horribly emaciated. Kano was so dehydrated that his coat was plagued with dandruff, his lips were cracked and bleeding, and his eyes were bloodshot and cloudy. When I took Kano to the vet, he was diagnosed with a double ear infection, interdigital dermatitis, conjunctivitis, separation anxiety, and atopic dermatitis. Over the next month, I learned from my coworker additional details about Kano’s previous living conditions. Under my care, Kano thrived (for more details about his story, click HERE).
On March 26th, my boyfriend, my boyfriend's cousin, and I met with Kano’s primary caretaker and owner, my coworker, and my coworker’s husband at a local dog park. Kano’s primary caretaker and owner told me and my boyfriend that we could keep Kano: “I can see how happy he is, and how much he loves you and you love him. Keep the dog.” We were officially a family. Or so we thought.
About one month later, the son of Kano’s former primary caretaker and owner was released from jail and began demanding “his dog” be returned. A grueling legal battle for custody of Kano followed (to help with our legal costs, visit our GoFundMe. We do NOT receive the funds donated on Change.org).
Despite days of testimony about the abandonment, neglect, and abuse Kano suffered, even with no proof that Kano was registered or licensed to this man, on Friday, September 16, 2022, the Gloucester Township civil court ruled that Kano should be returned to this man’s custody. The two deciding factors were:
1.) there was no physical “receipt” for Kano’s primary caretaker and owner relinquishing her ownership, and
2.) Kano, like all pets, is considered PROPERTY.
According to the current laws, pets are no different than a TV or toaster. Therefore, Kano’s, and all pets’, best interests don’t matter. As their lawyer stated, “It doesn’t matter what the dog’s best interests are. The law is the law. He is a piece of property and that property needs to be returned to its owner.”
I created this petition to have Congress pass Kano's Law in the hopes of saving countless animals from being returned to the custody of the inept and heartless. Please help us tell Congress that Pets are Family, NOT Propertyand that their best interests should be legally recognized and protected. Please add your signature to this petition so that Kano's Lawwill be implemented immediately.
What is the goal of Kano’s Law?
Essentially, Kano's Law enables courts to ask and rule in favor of the answer to the crucial question: "What is best for the pet?" During custody litigation, this will ensure custody and/or visitation is instated or reinstated with the party or parties that best provide(s) for the pet's best interests. Kano's Law aims to legally recognize and protect the best interests of all companion animals. This is especially important in cases of abuse, neglect, and/or cruelty. Our stance is that current laws equating pets to property are antiquated and harmful, not only to our companions, but to our communities and society as a whole (ALDF &NLC).Indisputable science proves that companion animals are sentient beings capable of feelings such as fear, happiness, and love (PETA), therefore their well-being and best interests matter and should be afforded legal recognition and protection.
Ask yourself: Do I believe a companion animal, or pet, should be returned to the person(s) responsible for his/her abuse, neglect, and/or cruelty? If your answer is "no," then your values and beliefs align with Kano's Law. Please add your signature to this petition.
Why is Kano’s Law being proposed?
On September 16, 2022, the Gloucester Township Civil Court of New Jersey ruled that our beloved Olde English Bulldogge, Kano, shall be returned to the household where he had been abandoned, neglected, and abused. Current laws in the US deem pets equitable to property, thus their best interests are not considered or protected when deciding custody. We are fighting for Kano and all companion animals suffering because of this unjust and inhumane legal status, so that this tragedy doesn't repeat itself. In recognition that companion animals, or pets, are family members that should be classified similarly to human children as dependents, I began this petition to have Congress pass Kano's Law.
Who will Kano’s Law protect?
Kano's Law will protect all companion animals, also known as pets, and responsible guardians or caregivers. It extends to cases of divorce, separation, and domestic violence, as well as animal cruelty, neglect, and abandonment.
Imagine this all too-common scenario: a couple is in the process of a separation, and they are disputing custody of the pet. One of the partners had bought the pet as a gift for the other, but now wants to claim sole custody, citing that he/she bought the animal, therefore, the animal belongs solely to him/her. Perhaps this person doesn't share a bond with the pet and is merely using the pet to emotionally harm the other partner. This person may even have a history of domestic violence or animal abuse, cruelty, and/or neglect. The other partner, however, shares a strong bond with the pet, was the primary caregiver, and has no history of animal abuse, cruelty, and/or neglect. Kano's Law would protect and reunite the pet with his/her loving caregiver and would deny the "purchaser" custody due to a history of abuse, cruelty, and/or neglect.
Imagine instead that a family discovers an animal wandering outside. The animal exhibits clear signs of abuse and/or neglect. The family has the animal scanned for a microchip, but there is none. The family puts a good faith effort to locate the animal’s owner(s). The family nurses the animal back to health, bonds with the animal, and welcomes the animal into their family unit. Months or years go by, and then one day the original owner sues the family for custody of the animal. During the trial, the family submits photographic evidence of the condition of the animal, and perhaps it is even discovered that the original owner has been investigated or convicted of animal neglect in the past. Sighting Kano’s Law, the court would rule in favor of the family, ensuring the animal remains in a loving, safe, and healthy home.
Will Kano’s Law enable anyone to come and take away my pet(s)?
No, of course not. Kano’s Law was created to protect both companion animals and their responsible guardians or caregivers. Kano’s Law will ensure pets remain in loving, safe homes by legally recognizing their best interests. Kano's Law will prohibit courts from returning pets to homes where they endured abuse, neglect, and/or cruelty, unlike previously when the original ownership took precedence over the animal's best interests.In cases of pet theft, the animal would be returned to his/her original caregiver, unless there was evidence of abuse, neglect, and/or cruelty.
OK, so then what is Kano’s Law? What does it say?
In recognition that companion animals, or pets, are sentient beings living in family units and therefore classified as dependent family members:
In pet or companion animal custody cases, the animal’s best interests shall be considered in order to determine custody and/or visitation rights. The animal shall be placed with, and custody and/or visitation rights instituted or reinstituted with, the party that best provides the fundamental necessities for the animal’s quality of life. The factors to be considered when determining which party best provides for the animal's best interests include, but are not limited to:
The financial ability to provide proper medical and maintenance care for the duration of the animal’s lifespan,
A history of animal abuse, cruelty, and/or neglect, including: former, present, or ongoing investigations or charges of animal abandonment, neglect, abuse and/or cruelty,
The ability to provide proper housing, including heat and a hygienic living environment,
The ability to provide basic life-sustaining provisions, including adequate food and potable drinking water,
The animal’s bond with each party, both the present and former caregiver or owner, shall be considered when deciding the animal’s placement.
The aforementioned clauses shall be decisive factors when determining which party should resume or be granted custody and/or visitation rights. These factors shall supersede other legislation dictating custody, previously known as “ownership,” of companion animals.
