Justice for the Shellys. Because their lives mattered.

Shelly's Law Coalition is a growing advocacy effort dedicated to strengthening Illinois' response to felony animal torture through targeted legislative reform.

The coalition is named after a group of kittens who were tortured and killed in the Thomas Martel case—a case that exposed serious gaps in Illinois law. According to court records, the offender gave many of the kittens the same name: Shelly.

While we cannot change what happened to them, we can work to ensure their story leads to lasting legislative reform by strengthening Illinois law and improving accountability for felony animal torture.

Founded by animal welfare organizations committed to protecting animals and advancing legislative change, the coalition brings together advocates, professionals, organizations, and community members working to strengthen Illinois' animal cruelty laws.