By Joyce Kryszak
Buffalo, NY – Pets could soon be protected by court order under a new law passed by both houses of the state legislature.
Most people are familiar with Court Orders of Protection that are issued to protect humans from abuse or attack. But an amendment to the Family Court Act could soon allow judges to offer pets that same protection.
Kristen Luppino is Community Coordinator for the Erie County Coalition Against Family Violence. Luppino said the new law is about far more than animal rights.
One national study showed that more than half the battered women in shelters who had pets reported their abusers harmed or killed their pet.
Luppino said violence against pets is often an extension of abuse.
Luppino said another barrier is the fact that most shelters, including Buffalo's Haven House do not allow pets.
She said the SPCA will take pets in temporarily in cases of domestic violence. But Luppino said the law is one more way to offer victims and their pets legally enforceable protection.
The the law passed both houses of the legislature with strong support. It now awaits the governor's signature.
New York State Senator Marc Coppola said it is an important that should get the governor's support.
Advocates say that research also shows a strong link between animal abuse and child abuse. Children who witness or are victims of abuse are often shown to act out violence on animals as well.
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