HARRISBURG, Pa. — Pennsylvania lawmakers gave final approval this week to HB1210, a groundbreaking bill that explicitly allows companion animals to be included in “Protection From Abuse” orders.
This legislative milestone is celebrated by animal advocates, domestic violence organizations and law enforcement across the commonwealth, Animal Wellness Action said Friday in a press release.
Spearheaded by Representatives Christina Sappey (D-158) and Natalie Mihalek (R-40), the passage of HB1210 underscores the power of persistent advocacy and coalition-building, the advocacy group said.
"This significant win follows an enduring campaign led by Animal Wellness Action and Humane Action Pennsylvania and a coalition of animal welfare groups, children's advocates, domestic violence organizations and law enforcement agencies," Animal Wellness Action said.
The bill's success not only highlights the importance of safeguarding animals but also brings attention to the vital link between animal abuse and domestic violence, the group added.
"Protecting animals is about protecting families," said Natalie Ahwesh, Pennsylvania State Director for Animal Wellness Action and Executive Director of Humane Action Pennsylvania. "With HB1210, we're taking a crucial step forward to ensure that individuals and their beloved companions can escape abusive situations safely. We're deeply grateful for the leadership of Representatives Sappey and Mihalek and our community's unwavering support in championing this bill."
Research consistently shows that animal abuse is an indicator of domestic violence, Animal Wellness Action said. Studies reveal that nearly 71% of pet-owning women entering domestic violence shelters reported that their abuser had threatened, harmed or killed a pet.
HB1210 tackles this issue head-on by enabling survivors to include their pets in legal protection orders, eliminating a barrier that often prevents individuals from leaving dangerous situations, the group said.
"HB1210 is a victory for both human and animal victims of violence," said Representative Sappey. "Ensuring that companion animals are protected empowers survivors to leave dangerous situations without the heart-wrenching choice of abandoning their animal companions.”
