State Now Allows Domestic Violence Protective Orders to Include Pets

New legislation in Rhode Island means that pets can be included in domestic violence protective orders.

The measure was recently signed into law by Gov. Gina Raimondo, The Associated Press reports.

In domestic abuse situations, Family Court now has the ability to enter protective orders that cover household pets, according to the report.

State Rep. William O’Brien and Senate President Dominick Ruggerio introduced the legislation.

“Often in cases of domestic violence, pets can be severely harmed by the abuser as well. Many states in the country already have laws that include pets in domestic violence protection orders,” O’Brien has said, according to NBC 10. “An innocent animal should not be allowed to be left with dangerous and violent abusers.”

Other states with similar laws in place include Connecticut and Massachusetts.

Read more at The Associated Press