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Some states considering inclusion of pets in domestic violence protection order
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2007 Connecticut Governor Rell signs Protection of Pets in Domestic Violence Cases Act
In 2008, 14 states plus the District of Columbia considered a law giving pets the right to protection orders for domestic violence; only Louisiana and the District of Columbia passed such laws. It is expected New Jersey (S. 1045, A.820) and Delaware (H.B. 77) will reintroduce the legislation in 2009.
Maine, in 2006, was the first state to pass a domestic violence protection order law for pets. Vermont, New York, California, Illinois and Connecticut passed similar laws in 2006 and 2007.
A similar bill, H.B. 2208, is pending in the Pennsylvania House Judiciary Committee. The bill would make it a 3rd degree felony if an abuser "willfully and maliciously kills, maims, disfigures, tortures or [tries to] poison" animals if the owner or caregiver has an order of protection against the abuser.
For Pennsylvanians, click here to find your legislators and ask them to vote for passage of H.B. 2208.
In an effort to expedite this important law to protect our pets the American Humane Association is advocating for the law's passage. To sign a petition for these two state click here:
It's no secret that domestic violence includes violence against the family pet and threats of violence against the family pet used as a form of coercion. Domestic abuse shelters that accept pets along with people are far and few between and many women and their children don't want to leave the family pet in the hands of the abuser who will more than likely perpetrate further abuse on the pet upon their departure.
The video is from Iowa where a law for domestic violence protection orders for pets has been approved.
Please contact your legislators.
Resources for victims of domestic violence with pets:
National Domestic Violence Hotline (Under the National Council of Domestic Violence)
800-799-SAFE (7233)
This hotline can help women "plug in" to resources in their city and state, including animal-related options when available.
Pets and Women's Shelters (PAWS) Program, American Humane online directory of shelters for women and their pets.
Ahimsa House
Operates 24-hour nationwide hotline that provides assistance, resources and safehouse networks for women with pets.
24-Hour Crisis Line: 404-452-6248
The organization also maintains an up-to-date national online directory for safe-house programs in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.
Humane Society of the United States Safe Havens for Animals Programs
Online directory of safe havens for pets.
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