How would someone go about creating a petition?

Question

I am unfamiliar with the process. I would like to start a nationwide petition for a universal number for animal cruelty. It's a lofty hope, but I was wondering where I should begin, how I could find out if anyone else is doing the same, etc. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Answer 1

Your question has been reproduced below to preserve the original fact pattern for which this answer applies:

"How would someone go about creating a petition? I am unfamiliar with the process. I would like to start a nationwide petition for a universal number for animal cruelty. It's a lofty hope, but I was wondering where I should begin, how I could find out if anyone else is doing the same, etc. Any help would be greatly appreciated!"

There is no quick answer to your question.

I assume that you want to create a number similar to "911" or "411" just for animal cruelty reports and that such a number would then be routed locally in the way that "911" is routed now.  That's an intersting idea-- although I'm not sure why the local police department's phone number doesn't work too (and it's a lot cheaper than creating an entirely new universal number).

State and local governments across the country would have to agree to set up and use such a universal number.  That means not one petition but many-- each aimed at the appropriate governmental body that controls those matters (and where that might differ drastically from state to state, county to county and municipality to municipality).

Such a program would involve a massive effort and significant resources such that you'd need the help of the ASPCA or PETA to get something like that seriously considered.

You might want to visit these websites:

http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer

http://www.peta.org/

That's where I'd start.

[This is not legal advice. You should consult a licensed attorney-at-law for legal advice or representation before making decisions that may affect your legal rights.]