fuzzy
04-11-2006, 09:06 AM
http://www.innovations.harvard.edu/news/11755.html
Law protects pets of abuse victims; Maine legislation to curb cycle of violence against animals 1st in nation
Gov. John Baldacci signed LD 1881 into law Friday, the first law in the country that gives judges the authority to protect pets when domestic abuse victims seek a protection order.
Baldacci called it "unconscionable" that 76 percent of victims who seek safety at domestic violence shelters report that their abusers either harmed or threatened their pets as a tool to control and intimidate them. The new law can help break that cycle of violence, he noted.
"Maine is once again leading the nation by putting its people first," the governor said.
The landmark law not only gives judges the power to include pets on a protection from abuse order but also gives them authority to impose penalties if the order is violated. Those penalties range from a fine to jail time.
Remainder of article at link...
Law protects pets of abuse victims; Maine legislation to curb cycle of violence against animals 1st in nation
Gov. John Baldacci signed LD 1881 into law Friday, the first law in the country that gives judges the authority to protect pets when domestic abuse victims seek a protection order.
Baldacci called it "unconscionable" that 76 percent of victims who seek safety at domestic violence shelters report that their abusers either harmed or threatened their pets as a tool to control and intimidate them. The new law can help break that cycle of violence, he noted.
"Maine is once again leading the nation by putting its people first," the governor said.
The landmark law not only gives judges the power to include pets on a protection from abuse order but also gives them authority to impose penalties if the order is violated. Those penalties range from a fine to jail time.
Remainder of article at link...