Pets To Be Protected Against Domestic Violence

Pets will be protected as part of domestic violence law after Governor Bill Ritter, D-Colorado, signs a new law Monday morning. The bill, sponsored by Sen. Linda Newell, D-Littleton, and Rep. Jerry Frangas, D-Denver, amends current state law that deals with civil protection orders, to include threats or acts of violence against animals. It will add animals to the current law which addresses abuse of the elderly or at-risk adults and domestic abuse.

The new law also specifies that when issuing a civil protection order or an emergency protection order, the court may include an order restraining an individual from taking or harming an animal owned by another individual, and making arrangements for care of the animal.

The bill provides the court with the authority to award custody and make orders for the care and protection of an animal during a civil protection order hearing. Ritter will sign the bill into law Monday at 1:30 p.m. at the Capitol.