Domestic violence is a harrowing reality for some individuals, trapping victims in fear, and not just for themselves, but also their pets.

According to The Humane Society of the United States, 71% of domestic violence victims report that their abuser targets not only them and their children but also their pets. Abusers often wield threats of harm or even death against animals as a tool of control, leaving victims feeling powerless to leave.

A new Pennsylvania law aims to change that. Act 146, signed at the end of 2024 by Governor Josh Shapiro, amends the Protection from Abuse Act (23 Pa. C.S.A. § 6108) to include companion animals under its protections. Judges can now grant temporary ownership rights of pets to abuse victims and prohibit abusers from contacting, removing, or going near not only the animal, but also the people and shelters providing care for it.

Prior to Act 146, protections under the statute applied only to plaintiffs and minor children. This new, expanded coverage marks a significant step toward acknowledging the critical role pets play in all of our lives. Passed by the House in 2023 and now the Senate, Act 146 will now take effect on Friday, January 17, 2025.

If you need help with a domestic violence situation in Pennsylvania, we have filed and defended many protection from abuse matters over the years. Allow us the opportunity to effectively represent you and take steps to protect your rights. Contact the top Bucks County divorce attorneys at Williams Family Law by phone at 215-340-2207 or email us at info@bucksfamilylawyers.com.