Connecticut Governor Signs Laws To Protect Pets In Domestic Violence Cases
Connecticut Governor M. Jodi Rell has signed An Act Concerning the Protection of Pets in Domestic Violence Cases. The new law will be effective October 1 and will permit courts to issue orders of protection for animals owned or kept by victims of family violence, stalking, or harassment. The orders may, at a minimum, prohibit respondents from injuring or threatening to injure the animals.
Currently, only three other states: New York, Maine and Vermont have ennacted laws to include pets in protective orders involving cases of domestic violence.
More about An Act Concerning the Protection of Pets in Domestic Violence Cases after the jump.
From CT.gov:
Threatening the pet often causes the victim to stay for fear of what might happen to the animal if they leave,†Governor Rell said. “Studies have found that almost half of battered women delay their escape for that reason.
“Pets are too often the silent victims of domestic violence. They cannot fight back, and they are presently afforded no protection under our current legal system. This law will help will protect pets in domestic violence cases by authorizing courts to include a prohibition on harming a pet when it issues a restraining or protective order. I firmly believe that protecting animals can help protect human victims of domestic violence.â€
Research also shows that pet abuse is a predictor of domestic violence, and paying attention to pet abuse can save human lives. The Governor noted that studies show that up to 71 percent of battered women report their pet was threatened, harmed, or killed by their partners. A national survey found that 85 percent of women’s shelters indicated that women seeking safety described incidents of pet abuse in their families.
“By protecting pets, the new law shuts the door on any opportunities for abusers to continue to abuse their victims,†Governor Rell said. “Victim of domestic violence should not be subject to this further intimidation and cruelty if a pet becomes a target.â€
June 21st, 2007 at 3:30 pm
We need to take threats like that seriously, both the animal and the human are in danger. A woman was killed at a university near here not long ago by an ex-boyfriend. He had made prior threats against both her and her sister’s pets. He made no threats against the woman; but he was stalking her.
June 21st, 2007 at 4:04 pm
This is a good start, now lets put some “teeth” into the law!
June 21st, 2007 at 4:07 pm
now all we need is a law protecting pets from pet food that maims and kills.
June 21st, 2007 at 4:27 pm
Finally! Now let’s get going California and get on board!
June 21st, 2007 at 4:52 pm
Also, another law Connecticut Gov. Rell signed recently:
Rell signs pet evacuation act
http://www.wtnh.com/Global/sto.....menu29_2_6
June 21st, 2007 at 4:57 pm
Thank the Universe that lawmakers are finally starting to do something about it.
I keep think of all the “it could / should have been’s” if such laws had been in place before. Maybe my little boy pup wouldn’t be so skittish now.
June 21st, 2007 at 5:52 pm
How about signing something to include protecting our pets from the PFI. There should be laws to keep PFC from selling products that are toxic!!!.
June 21st, 2007 at 6:01 pm
chris-
well apparently your spouse can’t abuse you or your pet but its perfectly lawful for the pet food industry to do so. menu foods had no problem’ ’stalking’ customers who are sueing them for vet bills. why don’t they just break into our homes a la ‘fatal attraction’ and throw our pets in the crock pot-it’s morally what theyre doing anyway.
it seems apparent that at least local government is starting to wake up to the increasing public sentiment that our pets be treated humanely and there be stiffer fines,and enforced jail time . that they seem to think corporations are above this says everything about their ‘ enabler’ affair with industry.
June 21st, 2007 at 7:39 pm
Mittens,
they seem to think corporations are above this says everything about their ‘ enabler’ affair with industry.
You hit the nail on the head!
June 21st, 2007 at 9:01 pm
THE LARGE PET FOOD MANUFACTURERS THREATEN MILLIONS OF ANIMALS IN THIS COUNTRY ON A DAILY BASIS. WHY DON’T THESE PEOPLE TAKE SOME ACTION ON BEHALF OF THE PETS THAT ARE SUBJECTED TO THIS DANGER.
OH I FORGOT THAT IT WOULD BE BAD FOR BUSINESS TO DO SOMETHING LIKE THAT. EXCUSE ME FOR MY TRANSGRESSION.
LONG LIVE THE CORPORATE STATES OF AMERICA!
June 21st, 2007 at 9:13 pm
CORPORATE AMERICA SUCKS!
June 21st, 2007 at 10:42 pm
Connecticut, take a look at funding your shelters next please:
http://www.hartforddogpound.com
Hartford Pound dogs are found in junkyards, abandoned
buildings and city streets. They are given 10 days to find a
new home before they are euthanized.
June 21st, 2007 at 11:42 pm
I think they need laws like this but it makes me angry that they can sign a law about owners of pets but they can’t sign a law to stop manufacturers from poisoning our pets or a law to make the pet food healthy domestic violence? What about death of our pets from tainted food? Guess domestic violence in the home can cause more harm to a pet then the food they eat.
September 11th, 2007 at 6:02 am
[…] covered a Connecticut law passed earlier this year. According to the Humane Society of the United States, bills are pending in other states including […]