Lawmakers, advocates discuss urgent need for legislation to protect pets in domestic violence situations
Rep. Christina Sappey October 22, 2024 | 3:03 PM
HARRISBURG, Oct. 22 – House lawmakers and advocates today held a news conference at the state Capitol to urge for the passage of bipartisan legislation that would better protect victims’ pets and further protect victims in domestic violence situations.
House Bill 1210, introduced by state Reps. Christina Sappey, D-Chester, and Natalie Mihalek, R-Allegheny/Washington, would amend Pennsylvania’s Protection from Abuse Act to give judges the ability to order the defendant to refrain from possessing, abusing or harming the petitioner’s companion animal.
Sappey said Pennsylvania’s current Protection from Abuse Act gives judges the ability to order many kinds of relief to prevent further abuse. However, judges have no explicit authority to order protective measures of a victim’s pets.
“We have seen through data the horrific link between domestic violence and animal abuse,” Sappey said. “Abusers will often abuse or threaten the abuse of pets to further torment the victim or keep them from leaving, exacerbating an already traumatic situation. Strengthening the law to address and prevent this clear and devastating form of abuse is needed now. We have the time in the current legislative session to make this right.”
Mihalek, a former county prosecutor, said she’s seen the situation occur in countless numbers.
“We know through studies and statistics that abuse victims often choose to stay with their abuser out of concern for their pets,” Mihalek said. “In fact, many women in domestic violence shelters report that their abuser threatened, injured or killed a pet. As a former county prosecutor, I lost count of how many cases I have seen where a pet is used to manipulate and coerce victims to stay and continue enduring the abuse.”
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% of domestic violence victims reported that their abuser also targeted pets. Researchers have found links between coercive control and the abuse of pets, with abusers often using family pets as leverage in the torment of their victims, threatening to harm or kill them if their victims leave.
Kristen Tullo, the Pennsylvania state director at the Humane Society of the United States says the HSUS supports H.B. 1210. According to Tullo, the legislation recognizes the strong connection between abuse against humans and animals, "as many individuals fear for their pets' safety and delay leaving dangerous situations."
She also said the legislation is crucial for ensuring the safety of both individuals and their animals.
"Research shows that up to 49% of those experiencing domestic violence hesitate to escape due to concerns for their animals, and many report threats or harm to their pets by abusers,” Tullo added.
Natalie Ahwesh, executive director of Humane Action Pennsylvania and state director for Animal Wellness Action, spoke on behalf of the organizations.
“House Bill 1210 represents a vital step forward in recognizing the importance of companion animals as members of our families,” Ahwesh said. “This legislation not only prioritizes the safety of individuals but acknowledges the integral role pets play in our lives. By allowing animals in these protections, we affirm our commitment to compassionate and comprehensive approaches to domestic violence and abuse.”
Dana Friday, director of legal advocacy services with PAWS for Empowerment Program, Crisis Center North, said: “Working within the court system, I see continual obstacles presented to victims fleeing domestic violence. One common obstacle survivors face is, ‘I can’t leave without my pet.’ When we can provide services for survivors and their pets, we are keeping everyone safe and, more importantly, removing barriers to fleeing."
Fayette County Sheriff James Custer also spoke in favor of the bill.
"As Sheriff, my office serves many Protection From Abuse Orders in cases of domestic violence," Custer said. "We see and research would indicate that when animals in the home are being abused, it is often a warning sign that other family members within the home may be suffering from mental of physical abuse."
In a letter to the Pennsylvania Senate urging action on the bill, the Pennsylvania Sheriffs' Association wrote: “There is no reason any animal should go through unimaginable anguish and pain at the hands of someone who is supposed to care for them. Legislators must recognize that the time has come to go even further to protect and serve all of their constituents -- both humans and animals.”
According to Sappey, the bill would bring Pennsylvania in line with what most other states are already doing. She said 37 states, plus Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico, have passed laws that automatically consider the welfare of pets in protective orders.
"This is an issue that transcends political lines because we all understand the importance of protecting the vulnerable -- whether human or animal," Sappey said. "The Senate has the power to pass House Bill 1210 and help provide peace of mind to survivors of domestic violence. Let's ensure that Pennsylvanians are no longer forced to choose between their safety and the safety of their pets."
The bill passed the House in July 2023. It was reported out of the Senate Judiciary Committee unanimously and without amendment on Monday and awaits a vote by the full Senate. The 2023-24 legislative session ends Nov. 30.