Proposal would include pets in restraining orders ? Local News ...

BOSTON ? A long-stalled proposal to curb domestic violence by permitting judges to include pets in restraining orders may get a fresh look during next week's budget debate in the Massachusetts House.

The plan has been filed by Rep. Cory Atkins (D-Concord) as an amendment to the $30.45 billion spending document, delighting animal protection advocates and veterinarians, as well as groups seeking to reduce and prevent domestic abuse.

"It has been our experience working with animal control officers and veterinarians that often if a partner or a human member of a household is abused, often a pet is abused," said Susan Curtis, executive director of the Massachusetts Veterinary Medical Association. "Sometimes the abuse of a pet is a precursor to abuse of a member of a household, or vice versa."

The proposal, filed as standalone legislation by Sen. Katherine Clark (D-Melrose) and supported by 41 co-sponsors, would permit judges to transfer control and care of a pet to a person who files a restraining order. In addition, a judge may order an alleged abuser to "refrain from abusing, threatening, taking, interfering with, transferring, encumbering, concealing, harming or otherwise disposing of the animal."

"Many people will not leave or delay leaving a violent relationship because they're afraid of what will happen to a pet," said Kara Holmquist, director of advocacy for the Massachusetts Society of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. "People care about their pets. They don't want to leave them in a situation where they could be harmed. This language would help address that."

Holmquist said that under existing law, judges are often unsure whether they have the power to include pets in restraining orders because pets, under the law, are considered property.

Domestic violence advocates say the policy would help protect battered men and women who are often afraid to leave abusive relationships.

"There are circumstances where the pet is used sort of as a way to manipulate somebody into staying," said Maureen Gallagher, policy director for Jane Doe Inc., an anti-domestic violence group.

Clark's bill (S 682) is awaiting a hearing in the Judiciary Committee. The same proposal filed last session died without action in that committee.

Source: http://www.newburyportnews.com/local/x333451128/Proposal-would-include-pets-in-restraining-orders

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