Share:
Senate Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
Senate of Pennsylvania
Session of 2023 - 2024
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | January 8, 2024 12:16 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Senator Daniel Laughlin |
| To: | All Senate members |
| Subject: | Protection for Animals in Domestic Violence Situations |
| In the near future, I will introduce legislation to amend the Protection From Abuse Act to include protection for victim’s pets in domestic violence situations. Protection orders are court orders protecting domestic violence victims from their abusers. Unfortunately, a judge has no explicit authority to order that the defendant not kill or maim a victim’s pets. According to the Humane Society of the United States, "data on domestic violence and child abuse cases reveal that a staggering number of animals are targeted by those who abuse their children or spouses. In one survey, 71 percent of domestic violence victims reported that their abuser also targeted pets.” Offenders often use animals as tools in their abuse, exploiting the close bond victims have with their companion animals, preventing victims from escaping their abuser. Unfortunately, this form of coercive control is extremely effective. Please join me in co-sponsoring this important piece of legislation by allowing judges to extend protection from abuse to the victim’s pets alleviating additional stress to the victim. |
Introduced as SB1105