Bipartisan legislation reintroduced by U.S. Reps. Mimi Walters (R-CA) and Jeff Denham (R-CA) on Wednesday would expand standing federal domestic violence protections to include threats or acts of violence against pets.
Studies have shown that domestic abusers frequently attempt to manipulate or intimidate victims by threatening their pets, and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals reports that only 3 percent of domestic violence shelters in the country accept pets.
In addition to expanding existing federal domestic violence protections, the Pet and Women Safety (PAWS) Act would provide grant funding to programs that shelter and house domestic violence victims and their pets.
“Individuals in abusive relationships should not be subjected to further torment by having their pet be used as a pawn,” Walters said. “I’m proud to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle and the Capitol to ensure survivors of domestic violence have the resources they need to escape dangerous situations and rebuild their lives.”
Under the bill, the full amount of a victim’s losses for restitution purposes could include veterinary services for physical care of pets resulting from domestic violence or stalking offenses.
Walters and Denham introduced the PAWS Act in the House with support from more than 175 lawmakers.
U.S. Sens. Dean Heller (R-NV) and Gary Peters (D-MI) reintroduced companion legislation in the Senate.