February 14th, 2025
Paws Up! To the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for the resounding support of House Bill 97!
In the modern day, we see our companion animals as more than just loyal guardians of livestock or hunters of mice- we see them as true members of our family. But how does this view as beloved family member stack up in the eyes of the law? This issue can be very important, particularly when a family is dividing and a judge may be the one to decide the future life a companion animal might have. Pennsylvania seeks to address this question with House Bill 97, a proposed law that would raise the status of companion animals in the eyes of the law from personal property to family member!
Pennsylvania would join the ranks of Alaska, California, Illinois, Maine, New Hampshire and New York, who already recognize our furry family members for what they are, in a legal sense. In these states a judge has the ability to determine a custody ruling with welfare of the animal in mind rather than their fate being determined solely by whose name is signed on the adoption papers. In the text of the proposed bill a custody decision may be made on the basis of the following: the daily needs of the animal, the financial ability of each individual to meet the animals’ needs, their history of compliance with legal regulations for animal care, who provides the animal with more social interaction, and who has provided them with veterinary care in the past.
This new piece of legislation was primarily sponsored by Democratic Representative Anita Kulik, with eight other enthusiastic co-sponsors. House Bill 97 passed through the House of Representatives and has been referred to the Judiciary under the Senate. It is vital now that we make our voices heard on behalf of our furry friends and make it known to legislators in Pennsylvania across the nation that our companion animals deserve protection under the law. We must ensure they have the best chance of living the type of happy, full, well cared for lives they deserve!