Update—June 19, 2020: Governor DeSantis signed this bill into law last night; it takes effect July 1. Florida is joining more than 30 other states that have enacted meaningful public policies to safeguard both humans and pets from violence in the home. Thank you for your advocacy!
Florida lawmakers are considering critical legislation that could protect vulnerable people and animals living in abusive homes.
House Bill 241 and Senate Bill 1082 would help ensure that family pets can be included in orders of protection, enabling stronger protection for survivors of domestic violence and their beloved family pets. Although more than 30 states explicitly allow pets to be included in orders of protection from domestic violence, Florida does not.
In a survey conducted by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, 71% of pet owners entering domestic violence shelters report that their abuser had threatened, injured or killed family pets. One study found that 87% of incidents of pet abuse are committed in the presence of the perpetrator’s partner for the purpose of revenge or control.
We need your voice to move this legislation forward!
