Protect People And Pets From A Cycle Of Violence
9,648 signatures toward our 30,000 Goal
Sponsor: The Animal Rescue Site
Protection of Animal Amendments laws help people escape abusers who use their pets against them. We need more laws like this!
Domestic abuse and animal abuse are closely linked1.
People who use violence and threats to control and abuse their family are commonly willing to do the same to pets. Studies show that more than 70% of pet owners at domestic violence shelters were abused by someone who also threatened or physically harmed their animal2.
A man from Farmington, Utah, was arrested after one victim of his abuse said he had killed four of her cats within just two months3.
A bill passed in the state now prevents such horrific incidents from reoccurring4.
By some estimates, 25% of domestic abuse survivors will go back to an abusive partner because they fear for their pets lives and well-being5. Abusers often use this to their advantage, holding a pet's safety or situation over a victim in order to coerce them6.
The Protection of Animal Amendments law gives survivors power, helping them escape the abusers who use their pets against them. This law allows survivors to include their pets on protective orders, making it illegal for the abuser to threaten, harm or take possession of an animal7.
This law also prevents worst case but all too common scenarios, where abusers kill a formerly-shared pet to "get back" at a victim."
In other states, this bill would protect an untold number of animals and survivors of domestic violence.
Take a stand for the health and wellness of pets and their humans. Sign the petition to support Protection of Animal Amendments laws throughout the country!
- Jennifer Thomas, Humane Action Pittsburgh (19 January 2022), "The Link Between Animal Abuse and Domestic Violence."
- Phil Arkow, Child and Adolescent Social Work Journal (5 September 2020), "Human—Animal Relationships and Social Work: Opportunities Beyond the Veterinary Environment."
- Pat Reavy, KSL.com (6 August 2021), "Utah man arrested, accused of abusing multiple women and their cats."
- Bethany Rodgers, The Salt Lake Tribune (21 January 2022), "Utah bill to protect pets from domestic abuse moves forward."
- Women Against Crime (2022), "The Cycle of Domestic Violence: Understanding Why Women Return to Abusive Partners."
- Stanley Coren PhD., DSc, FRSC, Psychology Today (27 May 2021), "When a Domestic Abuser Holds the Family Pet Hostage."
- Utah Domestic Violence Coalition, YWCA Utah, Utah Sheriff's Association, Utah Animal Control Officer's Association, Canyon Creek Services, South Valley Services, Safe Harbor, Utah Humane Society, Ruff Haven Crisis Sheltering, Nuzzles & Co., "Support HB 175."
The Petition:
To my state Senate and House of Representatives,
I write to you today to advocate for Protection of Animal Amendments laws, recently passed in Utah as House Bill 175, which help survivors of abuse escape those who use their pets against them.
People who use violence and threats to control and abuse their family are commonly willing to do the same to pets. Studies show that more than 70% of pet owners at domestic violence shelters were abused by someone who also threatened or physically harmed their animal.
A staggering 25% of domestic abuse survivors will go back to an abusive partner because they fear for their pets lives and well-being. Abusers often use this to their advantage, holding a pet's safety or situation over a victim in order to coerce them.
No one should live in fear of their life or that of their pets' with no legal recourse.
I implore you to adopt a Protection of Animal Amendments law in our state, allowing survivors to include their pets on protective orders, and making it illegal for the abuser to threaten, harm or take possession of an animal.
Sincerely,
