Southwest Allegheny News

Rep. Natalie Mihalek has announced that a new bipartisan bill aimed at protecting pets in domestic violence situations has been signed into law. This legislation amends Pennsylvania’s Protection from Abuse Act, allowing judges to order defendants to refrain from possessing, abusing, or harming the petitioner’s companion animal. Previously, the Act provided various forms of relief but lacked specific provisions for safeguarding victims' pets.

Mihalek stated, "Studies and statistics show a clear connection between domestic violence and animal abuse. In fact, abusers are known to abuse pets as a means of intimidating or controlling their human victims." She highlighted the emotional toll on victims who remain in abusive situations due to concern for their pets' safety.

The Humane Society of the United States reports that a significant number of animals become targets in households where domestic violence occurs. A survey indicated that 71% of domestic violence victims experienced pet abuse by their abuser. Research also points to coercive control tactics involving threats to harm family pets as a method used by abusers.

House Bill 1210 was co-sponsored by Mihalek and Rep. Christina Sappey and took nearly four years to finalize. It passed through the House in 2023, cleared the Senate earlier this month, and was recently signed into law by Governor Josh Shapiro.

"As a former county prosecutor," Mihalek remarked, "I have seen cases where a pet is used to manipulate victims to continue enduring abuse." She expressed hope that this legislation would help eliminate barriers preventing victims from seeking safety and justice.

With this enactment, Pennsylvania joins 37 other states along with Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico in offering legal protection for pets within domestic violence contexts.