Congress is considering expanding the federal Personal Protection Order law to include pets of domestic violence victims and establishing a federal grant program to assist in providing safe shelter for pets of domestic violence victims seeking help for themselves.According to the bill's sponsors, one-third of domestic violence victims delayed leaving abusive relationships out of concern for the wellbeing of their pets.
H.R. 1258, known as the Pet and Women Safety Act of 2015 or the PAWS Act was introduced on March 4 and referred to the Subcommittee on Livestock and Foreign Agriculture on March 23.
The bill amends the federal criminal code to prohibit threats or acts of violence against a person's pet under the offenses of stalking and interstate violation of a protection order. It also requires the "full amount of the victim's losses" for purposes of restitution in domestic violence and stalking offenses to include any costs incurred for veterinary services relating to physical care for the victim's pet.
H.R. 1258 directs the Department of Agriculture to award grants to eligible entities to carry out programs to provide specified housing assistance, support services, and training of relevant stakeholders to victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking and their pets.
Congresswoman Katherine Clark (D-MA) and Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehitnen (R-FL) introduced the Pet and Women Safety (PAWS) Act of 2015 and have 48 original cosponsors.
"Sadly, domestic violence is something one in every four women will experience at some point in their lives," said Congresswoman Clark. "This isolating experience is made even worse for those who fear for the safety of their pet. Most pet lovers consider their beloved dog or cat a part of their family. No one should have to make the choice between leaving an abusive situation and ensuring their pet's safety. I am grateful for the partnerships we've formed across the aisle and between organizations working to end both domestic violence and animal abuse. Together, we crafted a bill that will help save lives."
"I'm proud to work with Rep. Clark on the PAWS Act that will ensure victims of domestic violence have all protections available to them," said Congresswoman Ros-Lehitnen. "Too many victims feel compelled to stay in abusive relationships to protect their pets. This bill protects both victims and pets. We should continue to work for the day when victims of domestic violence will not be hindered in their decision to leave an abuser."
According to the bill's sponsors, studies have shown that a common component to domestic abuse is the intentional targeting of pets for abuse to exert control over their intimate partners. As many as 25 percent of domestic violence survivors have reported returning to an abusive partner out of concern for their pet. Only 3-percent of domestic violence shelters nationwide can accommodate pets.
Clark's bill is supported by local and national domestic violence and animal welfare advocates. The PAWS Act is supported by the National Network to End Domestic Violence, the ASPCA, HSUS, the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, the Association of Prosecuting Attorneys, the National Link Coalition, the Sheltering Animals & Families Together Program, the Animal Legal Defense Fund, the Animal Welfare Institute, RedRover, the National District Attorneys Association, the American Veterinary Medical Association, the YWCA USA, and the National Sheriffs' Association.
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| Learn more about Yavapai Humane Society's Safety Net program. |
The Yavapai Humane Society's Safety Net program, which is funded by grants and donations, is designed to provide shelter for pets of domestic violence victims while they seek help. If you would like to make a donation toward Safety Net, or if you need the assistance of Safety Net, call 928-445-2666 ext. 101 for information.
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