National data on both child abuse and domestic violence cases show an eye-popping number of animals being used as a tool of abuse and oftentimes get the brunt of the anger.
According to a survey from the Humane Society of the United States, 71% of domestic violence victims report that their abusers also target their pets to further the emotional and physical trauma.
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And now. Pennsylvania is adding preventative measures.
“I think it was an oversight within our legal system to not protect people’s pets, especially when some of these victims of domestic abuse are going through a breakup, or have to move our of their home, sometimes the pets can be used as leverage,” said Republican PA State Senator Dan Laughlin.
Thanks to House Bill 1210, judges now have the ability to include pets in court-mandated protection from abuse orders.
Before now, judges didn’t have the authority to prevent animal abuse through an order.
Now, beyond any cruelty charges, offenders will face even steeper penalties.