Proposed bill would extend protective orders to pets [View All]

Proposed bill would extend protective orders to pets

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Proposed state legislation would extend domestic violence restraining orders to protect pets in physically abusive relationships among couples.

Domestic violence counselors say the legislation is needed to stop abusers who often target family pets to terrorize spouses or partners.

"A lot of victims of domestic violence are in horrible positions because abusers will make threats against their pets and carry them out," said Lisa Holden, executive director of the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

Connecticut law allows individuals to seek restraining orders in civil court if they fear domestic violence or to obtain protective orders in criminal court if they are victims of domestic violence in a criminal case. The orders often prohibit an alleged abuser from having contact with, threatening, harassing or entering the home of the applicant or other individuals who are identified in the order by court officials.

People who violate the orders can face a criminal charge of violating a protective order or criminal trespassing or be subject to a fine of up to $5,000.

The proposed law extends those protections to domestic animals and pets.

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