Roraback Bill to Protect Pets in Domestic Violence Cases Passes General Assembly

Governor Rell expected to sign bill into law

Hartford, CT – The Connecticut House of Representatives today passed S.B. 284, An Act Concerning the Protection of Pets in Domestic Violence Cases by a vote of 143-4. This bill, introduced by State Senator Andrew Roraback (R-Goshen), will allow judges to include a prohibition on harming or taking possession of a pet when issuing domestic violence restraining orders. The legislation, which passed the State Senate on May 2nd, now heads to Governor Rell’s desk where it is expected to be signed into law.

“I am again very grateful to my colleagues in the General Assembly for helping move this bill through the legislative process so efficiently,” said Senator Roraback. “This is a common sense law that will reduce cruelty to animals and afford greater protection and peace of mind to victims of domestic violence. In many cases, domestic violence isn’t reported because of threats made against a victim’s pet, and too often abusers will maim or kill pets as a way of emotionally terrorizing their spouses, partners and children. This bill will protect pets and make it easier for some victims of domestic violence to speak out.”

The idea for this law was brought to Senator Roraback by one of his constituents who worked with animal welfare groups from throughout the state to bring this matter to the legislature. Connecticut will join Maine, Vermont and New York in protecting animals in this way when Governor Rell signs this bill into law.

Senator Roraback is an Assistant Minority Leader and represents the 30th district communities of Brookfield, Canaan, Cornwall, Goshen, Kent, Litchfield, Morris, New Milford, North Canaan, Salisbury, Sharon, Torrington, Warren, Washington, and Winchester.