07/17/2026
📣 Join the movement for stronger animal protection laws in Illinois 🙏
Every day, animal rescue organizations work tirelessly to save animals from abuse, neglect and abandonment. But rescue often happens after the suffering has already occurred.
Real, lasting change requires stronger laws.
The Shelly's Law Coalition was created through a partnership between SAYv Animal Organization and Garrido Stray Rescue Foundation to advocate for meaningful animal cruelty law reform in Illinois.
The coalition is named in honor of the five kittens that Thomas Martel tortured and killed. According to court records, each kitten was given the same name — Shelly. We carry that name to honor their lives and to represent every animal whose suffering deserves justice.
The Thomas Martel case exposed significant gaps in Illinois law. Although Martel admitted to animal torture and was sentenced to 4½ years in prison, he received more than 1,000 days of credit for time spent on pretrial home electronic monitoring. As a result, he entered prison and was released the very same day.
The case also highlighted another concern. Although investigators identified five kitten victims, the case ultimately resulted in a guilty plea involving only one of them. Four victims were never accounted for in the final conviction.
We believe Illinois can do better.
The Shelly's Law Coalition is working to strengthen Illinois' animal cruelty laws through education, public awareness, grassroots advocacy, and legislative reform.
Our initial priorities include:
1. Ending prison sentence credit for pretrial home electronic monitoring in felony animal torture cases.
2. Strengthening sentencing laws to better recognize each animal victim in cases involving multiple victims.
But we can't do this alone.
Here's how you can help today:
1️⃣ SIGN THE PETITION
Sign the petition to show Illinois lawmakers there is widespread public support for strengthening our animal cruelty laws.
🔗 https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/shellyslaw
2️⃣ EXPLORE OUR WEBSITE
Explore our website to learn more about the issues, the legislative process, and how you can become an advocate in your own community. We will continue to add resources to the site.
🔗 shellyslaw.org
3️⃣ JOIN US AT THE LAUNCH RALLY EVENT
More details here: 8.8.26 Shelly’s Law Coalition launch event
4️⃣ SHARE OUR MISSION
Share our mission with your friends, family, and fellow animal lovers to help build a statewide movement.
5️⃣ STAY CONNECTED
Our volunteer application will be launching soon, giving supporters new opportunities to help with outreach, community education, petition drives, legislative advocacy, events, and more.
Meaningful legislative change happens when people come together and make their voices heard.
Every signature sends a message that animals deserve stronger protections, meaningful accountability for those who commit acts of cruelty, and laws that recognize every victim.
Together, we can help create a safer future for animals across Illinois.
Justice for every Shelly. Stronger protections for every animal.
