HARRISBURG, PA — Governor Josh Shapiro has signed into law Act 146 of 2024, a bipartisan measure that amends the state’s Protection from Abuse Act to safeguard pets threatened in domestic violence situations. Championed by State Representative Christina Sappey, D-Chester, and State Representative Natalie Mihalek, R-Allegheny/Washington, the legislation provides judges with explicit authority to order defendants in protection from abuse (PFA) cases to refrain from harming, abusing, or possessing the petitioner’s companion animals.
The newly enacted law addresses a critical gap in Pennsylvania’s domestic violence response, where previously, protective measures for victims did not extend to their pets. “We have known for some time the horrific link between domestic violence and animal abuse,” said Rep. Sappey. “Abusers will use harming pets to further torment the victim or keep them from leaving, exacerbating an already traumatic situation.”
Closing a Dangerous Loophole
House Bill 1210, now Act 146, reflects years of work to bolster support for survivors of domestic violence. By including pets under the umbrella of protections available through the state’s PFA orders, the law acknowledges how abusers often exploit the emotional bond between victims and their animals.
Data provided by the Humane Society of the United States underscores this alarming connection. According to a national survey, 71% of domestic violence survivors reported that their abuser also targeted their pets. Researchers have established a direct link between coercive control and animal abuse, noting that pets are frequently used as leverage to manipulate, intimidate, or force victims into submission. Threats to harm or kill beloved animals can be pivotal in preventing survivors from leaving abusive relationships.
This legislation places Pennsylvania alongside 37 other states — as well as Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico — in recognizing the need for legal protections for pets in such cases.
Bipartisan Collaboration and Key Support
The success of Act 146 highlights the importance of bipartisan collaboration. Introduced by Sappey and Mihalek, the bill received overwhelming support from advocacy groups and law enforcement agencies, securing endorsements from more than 70 domestic violence, animal welfare, and public safety organizations across Pennsylvania. While the legislative process spanned nearly four years, its passage reflects broad recognition of the stakes involved.
“This is an issue that transcends political lines because we all understand the importance of protecting the vulnerable — whether human or pet,” Rep. Sappey emphasized. “I am so grateful to my House and Senate colleagues for understanding the consequences of this issue and acting to get this legislation through.”
Act 146 represents a broader commitment to combating the intertwined issues of domestic violence and animal cruelty. By providing this additional legal tool, advocates and law enforcement will be better equipped to protect both survivors and their companion animals, addressing a key dynamic of abuse while giving victims greater confidence to seek help.
A Communitywide Impact
For advocates and service providers, Act 146 heralds a new era in addressing the complex needs of domestic violence survivors. Animal cruelty has long been identified as an indicator of broader abusive behaviors, with perpetrators often escalating their violence from pets to human victims. This law helps dismantle that cycle and further nurtures a survivor-centric approach to intervention.
The law’s passage is also a testament to the collaboration between legislators, advocacy groups, and concerned citizens. It aligns Pennsylvania with best practices derived from other states, underscoring a growing national consensus on the importance of extending protections to animals in abusive households.
By signing Act 146 into law, Pennsylvania not only sharpens its legal framework for addressing domestic violence but also reaffirms its commitment to ensuring the safety and dignity of the state’s most vulnerable residents — both human and animal alike.
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