Lawmakers in Pennsylvania have approved House Bill 1210, groundbreaking legislation that allows pets to be included in ‘Protection from Abuse’ orders, according to a report on Fox43, a local Fox News affiliate. Animal rights advocates, domestic violence organizations, and law enforcement across the commonwealth of Pennsylvania celebrated passage of the measure by the state House of Representatives and Senate, Animal Wellness Action said on Friday in a press release, Fox43 reported. The bill was presented to Governor Josh Shapiro, Democrat, on Wednesday for his signature.
The moderately bipartisan HB1210, which draws attention to the critical link between animal abuse and domestic violence, was spearheaded by Representative Christina Sappey (Democrat, 158th district) and Rep. Natalie Mihalek (Republican, 40th district).
“Protecting animals is about protecting families,” Natalie Ahwesh, Pennsylvania state director for Animal Wellness Action and executive director of Humane Action Pennsylvania, said. “With HB1210, we are taking a crucial step forward to ensure that individuals and their beloved companions can escape abusive situations safely.”
Research has shown animal abuse is an indicator of domestic violence. Over 70% of pet-owning women entering domestic violence shelters have reported that their abuser had threatened, harmed, or killed a pet. Fear of what might become of the pet often prevents women from leaving abusive relationships until it is too late. The bill enables survivors to include their pets in legal ‘Protection from Abuse’ orders, eliminating a crucial barrier that often prevents individuals from exiting dangerous situations.
