Harvard Park Elementary School at 2501 South 11th Street, Springfield, Illinois.

Heather Dawn Singer lives in Springfield, Illinois. She has participated in numerous humanitarian projects and has earned the respect of the entire community.

This has not stopped her from leaving her two dogs outside in a scorching hot sun one summer day. The dog did not have any shelter or fresh water to drink. They were helpless in front of the merciless nature.

Concerned neighbors finally took action and reported the incident to the police. By the time authorities arrived, one of the dogs was no longer alive – and the other one, dubbed Lucky, was in serious condition. He was rushed to the hopistal, where vets managed to save his life.

In her defense, Ms. Singer argued she was a single mother and it was hard to take care of the pets.

In a later hearing in court, she admitted her actions and said she was deeply remorseful. Authorities admitted the ‘plea of no jail time’ for the defendant and even allowed Ms. Singer to get her dog ‘Lucky’ back, in spite of the blatant neglect he was subjected to!

Moreover, Ms. Singer was fined $320. This is what the judicial system of Sangamon County believed the dog’s life was worth.

This sentence is nothing short of pathetic and disgraceful. Unfortunately, since no person can be trialed for the same charges twice, there is nothing much we can do except tackle the wider issue: Illinois needs to adopt tougher laws for people convicted for animal neglect.

Natiowinde such issues are considered a serious offense. It is time to Illinois to follow suit and impose mandatory jail time for those involved in harming defenseless animals.

Support a new law for the animals in Illinois! They deserve a voice and we must be one for them!

Source of the information presented in the petition: