Florida’s Domestic Violence Law Protecting Pets Saves Humans, Too
For so many people, their pets are family, worthy of just as much love and affection as their human relations. However, up until recent years, the law did not recognize pets as anything but property. In domestic violence cases, this led to alleged abusers killing family pets in order to preserve control and domination over their victims. That said, a recent change in Florida’s domestic violence law means that pets – even the sad deaths of pets – can be used to protect humans who may be at risk.
Pets Did Not (Legally) Count
Before these changes, the fact of an alleged abuser threatening a pet meant nothing to a human victim’s domestic violence case – it was merely an action, with no legal bearing on what might come. The law has now taken a tip from psychology and states that a judge in a domestic violence injunction (DVI) hearing now has the ability to factor in threats or attacks on a family pet before making their decision.
This may not sound like much, particularly since the same right is not necessarily guaranteed in court. However, the fact that such a decision has been made is highly relevant in a criminal case, even if it is not made by the presiding judge. The fact that a judge deemed a threat against your pet serious enough to warrant a DVI speaks to the alleged character of the defendant.
Included In Lethality Assessments
Questions about attacks on pets are also included in what Florida’s legislature has called a lethality assessment. Created by the Gabby Petito Act, passed in 2024, lethality assessments are completed during domestic dispute calls to create a paper trail of sorts; while it may not immediately help a victim in their hour of need, it can be invaluable at a later date when they are trying to establish what is required for a DVI or to establish that abuse took place during a trial.
What this all means is that if your pet is threatened or injured by your alleged abuser, that information can be used against them even if no actual violence happens. Courts now understand a bit better just how highly our companion animals are prized, and will act accordingly in the event that this happens to you. Your pet can be a piece of safety during hard times in your life.
Call A West Palm Beach Domestic Violence Attorney
If you are in a relationship in which you have experienced domestic violence, you do not have to let fear for your pet or pets keep you there. A West Palm Beach domestic violence attorney from Perlet & Shiner, P.A. can help answer your questions about your options, and hopefully provide the aid that gets you to a safe place. We are ready and willing to help – call us today to speak to an attorney.
