Please support this bill.  

As a society, we want to raise our children to show compassion for others.  We want to teach them to treat other people well, kindly, and gently.  How are we supposed to teach them to be kind to other humans when we are cruel to animals?  Showing kindness to animals is the first step in growing compassion for those who are weaker, less fortunate, or smaller than we are.

As the mother of two toddlers, a Virginia native, and a graduate of ODU and UR, I try to raise my children to show compassion for all living creatures.  I do not allow them to eat meat and I teach them to be gentle to all creatures big and small.  But how can I continue to raise them to be gentle, kind, compassionate, and sensitive human beings if they see the domesticated animals entrusted to our care being heartlessly killed.

This bill is a vital first step in the direction of compassion.  I pray that this bill will be passed with full support and that it will be but a first small step.  One day I look forward to seeing the cruel killing of ANY animal being outlawed.

Please support this petition.