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Update on Maryland Bill for Pet Protective Orders

Among the most helpless members of the family, animals are often the target of domestic abusers, who may harm or kill family companions as a means of asserting control over other family members. In Maryland, legislation (SB 615 by Senator Raskin and HB 1257 by Del. McComas) was introduced to address this situation-allowing for companion animals to be included in protection orders in situations of domestic violence. While SB 615 passed the full Senate, the House committee failed to pass it from their committee prior to the end of this year's session. However, it is very likely that this legislation will be considered next year - and for good reason.

Providing protection for companion animals in domestic violence situations is important for all members of the family. Domestic violence victims who fear for the safety of their animals will often stay in an abusive situation if they are not given options to protect their companion animals. In such cases the assailant is even more likely to use threats of violence or actual violence to intimidate members of the family.

The connection between animal abuse and violence against people is well known. Domestic abusers will often abuse or kill the family pet in order to send a message to the human household members that they could be next.

This is true whether the companion animal is a dog, cat, goat or rabbit. Recently in Wisconsin, for example, an abusive husband shot the family's pet goat when he became enraged at his wife for refusing to get him a beer.

You can help!

While SB 615 passed the full Senate, the House Judiciary Committee failed vote on it before Maryland's legislative session ended for this year. However, you can still take action to build support for this bill.

1. Please contact your Maryland delegates (most residents have 2 or 3 delegates) and Senator and urge them to support this legislation next year. You can look up names and contact information at http://mdelect.net/electedofficials/. E-mails are quick and easy, but phone calls-and, better yet, personal visits-are even more effective. During the interim it is often easier to meet with your state legislators than during session. If possible schedule a short meeting to introduce yourself, and to mention your support for this legislation and other animal protection measures. Contact us to find out if your legislators have any upcoming public events. When calling your legislators' offices, simply tell the person answering the phone:

   "Hi, I am constituent of Delegate/Senator [Last Name], and I am calling to urge the delegate/senator to support 615 legislation to include pets in protective orders to help reduce and protect all family members from domestic violence."

2. Please thank the sponsors of the legislation for their leadership on this important issue and urge them to reintroduce this measure next year. Click on the following links to find the sponsors: Senate sponsors and House sponsors

Additional Talking Points

• As the most helpless members of the family, animals are often the target of domestic abusers, who may harm or kill family pets as a means of asserting control over other family members.
• The connection between animal abuse and violence against people is extremely well known and documented.
• Domestic violence victims who fear for the safety of their animals will often stay in an abusive situation if they are not given options to protect their companions.
• Providing protections for companion animals in domestic violence situations is important for both the protection of animals and people.