HARRISBURG, Pa. — Bipartisan legislation to better protect victims' pets in domestic violence situations has been signed into law.
State Rep. Christinia Sappey (D-Chester) announced the the passage of Act 146 of 2024 on Friday, Nov. 22. The bill amends Pennsylvania's Protection from Abuse Act to give judges the ability to order defendants to refrain from possessing, abusing or harming a petitioner's companion animal.
Previously, Pennsylvania's Protection from Abuse Act gave judges the ability to order many kinds of relief to prevent further abuse but didn't give explicit authority to order protective measures for a victim's pets.
“We have known for some time the horrific link between domestic violence and animal abuse," Sappey said. “Abusers will use harming pets to further torment the victim or keep them from leaving, exacerbating an already traumatic situation.”
According to the Humane Society of the United States, data on domestic violence and child abuse cases reveals 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 their abuser also targeted pets.
House Bill 1210 was a nearly four-year undertaking for Sappey and Rep. Natalie Mihalek (R-Allegheny/Washington) and received the support of more than 70 law enforcement agencies, domestic violence and animal welfare organizations.
It was passed by the state House in 2023, passed in the state Senate earlier this month and signed by Gov. Josh Shapiro this week to become Act 146 of 2024.
“This is an issue that transcends political lines because we all understand the importance of protecting the vulnerable – whether human or pet. I am so grateful to my House and Senate colleagues for understanding the consequences of this issue and acting to get this legislation through,” Sappey said.
The law aligns Pennsylvania with 37 other states, plus Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico.
