Domestic violence bill protects pets
BY ALEX RONALLO WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 10TH 2016
Appleton — It's often said that pets are part of the family, but sometimes concern for a pet keeps a victim in an abusive relationship.
However, a bill that just passed the Legislature, could help protect those pets, and help victims.
At Harbor House Domestic Abuse Shelter, employees know the importance of pets.
"We've had horror stories about pets being killed, fighting over pets," said Executive Director Beth Schnorr who told FOX 11 abusers can use pets as tools to control their victims.
"Abusers know the feelings of the family members about the pet and so, maybe if they can't stop someone from leaving themselves, or if someone has already left, they might take the pet as a way to get them back," Schnorr explained.
A bill recently passed in the state legislature adds protections for pets in these situations.
"Basically for the pet to be included in a restraining order," said Republican State Representative Andre Jacque of De Pere who has been working on the bill for a few years.
He told us adding pets to a restraining order will ensure the victim can take the pet when they leave, or get protection to go get the pet later. It also means harsher penalties for an abuser if he or she hurts or gets rid of the pet.
Jacque said surveys show this is a necessary protection.
"About 50%, or even 80% in Green Bay, of individuals who have pets delay leaving an abusive situation because of concerns for the pet," he explained.
The bill passed with bi-partisan support.
"If we really wanna protect the victims of domestic violence, which are the people we love and care about in our community, we have to support policies that help them get out of these situations, like this," Democratic State Representative Amanda Stuck of Appleton told FOX 11.
So what options are there for pet owners once they leave the abuse?
Harbor House told us it's one of a few domestic abuse shelters in the state that allows pets. Others work with animal shelters to make sure pets are taken care of.
"Pets can, like I said, they're members of the family, pets can also me a healing thing when you're going through a traumatic time, your pets are something that you turn to," said Schnorr.
The bill still needs approval from Governor Walker. He has expressed support for it in the past, and is expected to sign it into law.