Pennsylvania prosecutors and law enforcement officials say the number of times they see a family pet caught in domestic violence cases is way too many times.
A bill signed into law by Gov. Josh Shapiro, that both sides of the aisle supported that takes effect this month, gives judges the power to block a defendant from harming a victim’s companion animal by including them in Pennsylvania’s Protection from Abuse Act.
According to the Humane Society of the United States, “data on domestic violence and child abuse cases reveal that a staggering number of animals are targeted by those who abuse their children or spouses. In one survey, 71 percent of domestic violence victims reported that their abuser also targeted pets.” Researchers have found links between coercive control and the abuse of pets, with abusers often using family pets as leverage in the torment of their victims, threatening to harm or kill them if their victims leave. Many victims feel forced to stay with coercive partners because they worry their pets could be attacked, state Representative Christina Sappey (D-Chester) said when she introduced the measure four years ago.
“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.”
Credit: State Rep Sappey’s office
As part of a nearly four-year initiative introduced by Sappy with state representative Natalie Mihalek (R-Allegheny/Washington), the bill received the support of over 70 law enforcement agencies, domestic violence agencies and animal welfare organizations. The bill was passed by the state House in 2023, by the state Senate in November 2024, and signed by Gov. Josh Shapiro as 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.
Pennsylvania joins Puerto Rico, Washington, D.C., and 37 other states in protecting pets involved in domestic situations
All of Bucks County lawmakers voted to approve measure.