Florida Law Protects Pets From Domestic Violence, Too
Data reported by Forbes estimates that roughly two-thirds of U.S. households have at least one pet as of 2024. Unfortunately, this can sometimes make these beloved animals targets for abusers in domestic violence situations. In recent years, Florida law has changed, giving a measure of protection to pets in domestic violence situations – which can in turn, give victims the strength to escape.
Pets Matter To People
Historically, pets have been treated as property by the U.S. legal system, with no perception of their sentience or well-being. In the past decade or so, however, courts have begun to realize just how important companion animals may be to people. As many as one in four victims of domestic violence have reported staying in an abusive relationship out of fear that their pet would be harmed if they left.
In 2020, Florida’s governor signed a bill into law that modified the state’s laws on domestic violence injunctions (DVIs), allowing pets to be included – in other words, for the injunction to protect the pet as well as its owner. Thus, if a DVI prevents a person from contacting their alleged victim, they may be ordered to stay away from their victim’s cat or dog as well. The only exemptions to this law are agricultural animals or service animals where the alleged abuser is the handler.
Included In Injunctions
The law passed in 2020 includes pets in DVIs, but it also requires that the court hearing the petition for a DVI engage in a similar sort of analysis with regard to a pet’s welfare that they would for the human owner. For example, if there has been any previous history of animal abuse or cruelty, it will be taken as a mark against the alleged abuser’s character for violence, which might result in the extension of a permanent DVI.
If you find yourself in this situation, it is crucial that you not try to violate the injunction, even if you desperately miss a companion animal. The best way to show yourself worthy of the injunction being lifted is by obeying it – and by letting your attorney argue your case, instead of taking the law into your own hands.
Contact A West Palm Beach Domestic Violence Attorney
Being accused of domestic violence in Florida can be scary, and it can feel like adding insult to injury if you are kept from seeing your cat or dog. A West Palm Beach criminal defense attorney from Perlet & Shiner, P.A. can make sure your voice is heard. Call our office today to schedule a consultation.
Source:
forbes.com/advisor/pet-insurance/pet-ownership-statistics/
