Pennsylvania Comes to the Rescue with New Animal Protective Order Act - National Humane Education Society
January 24th, 2025
Paws Up! To Governor Josh Shapiro for protecting animals from domestic violence by signing Act No.146 into law
Domestic violence is a serious issue that touches the lives of countless families across the United States. While the support systems for human domestic violence victims continue to grow, the well-being and safety of their animal companions is often overlooked. According to numerous prominent studies over half of all companion animals living in these homes will face threats and mistreatment during such conflicts, putting not only their own lives at risk but also the lives of family members who may choose to stay in the home to defend them. It is vital to legally protect our furry friends and those who love them from physical harm. Fortunately, Pennsylvania has responded to this need by amending legislation to include companion animals in legal protective orders.
This amendment, known as Act No. 146, permits judges to grant temporary ownership rights of a companion animal for their safety and well-being. Additionally, a judge can legally prohibit domestic violence defendants from any form of contact or possession of a companion animal owned by the petitioner who is seeking protection. While there have been numerous forms of protections a judge could order to shield those in harm’s way from further abuse, this is the first time Pennsylvania’s laws have explicitly included the furry members of the family, despite the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) estimating that over 70% of American households included a dog or cat in 2024.
State Representative Christina Sappey introduced the original bill for Act No. 146 alongside fellow Representative Natalie Mihalek almost four years before the legislation would see Governor Shapiro’s Desk. Pennsylvania is the 41st state to include companion animals in legal protective orders: The National Humane Education Society has covered this progress over the years as recognition of how greatly companion animals and their families need this safeguard has increased. As Representative Sappey stated in the press release from the Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus, “we all understand the importance of protecting the vulnerable – whether human or pet”.
Take Action: Contact Governor Josh Shapiro to Thank Him for Signing Act No. 146!
