Alaska Amendment Aims to Protect Pets From Abuse - National Humane Education Society

Paws Up!

To Alaska Representative Liz Vazquez and Representative Max Gruenberg for introducing House Bill 147 that will consider companion animals’ well-being over ownership.

Those of us who are fortunate enough to have the love and affection of a companion animal can empathize with the weight of despair that some of us face when our beloved dog or cat is in danger of domestic violence or animal abuse or separated from us through divorce.

Last year, Alaska Representative Liz Vazquez and Representative Max Gruenberg introduced House Bill 147 that changed state law to recognize companion animals as dependents rather than property in divorce and domestic violence cases. The law passed and now requires courts to consider the best interest of the pets of legal parties. According to a recent news article, the law has been amended to also make pet owners found guilty of animal abuse responsible for expenses accrued to care for animals in protective custody. The bill is scheduled for hearing on February 10, 2016, by invitation only.

Take Action: Alaska residents, contact Representatives Liz Vazquez and Max Gruenberg to thank them for introducing HB 147. To show your support for HB 147, contact your district’s Senate Judiciary to petition that the bill be passed into law.