The Pennsylvania Senate has passed a bill that allows pets to be included in protection from abuse orders. The legislation, known as House Bill 1210, was approved in a 47-to-one vote and has now been forwarded to Governor Shapiro for final approval.
The bill has been advocated for by Humane Action Pittsburgh for several years. The organization argues that domestic violence survivors often remain with their abusers due to fear of losing their pets or the animals being harmed. If signed into law, judges will have the authority to grant temporary ownership rights of pets to those
Humane Action Pittsburgh has been working to raise awareness and mobilize support for the bill, aiming to create a safer environment for families and their pets across Pennsylvania.