On November 18, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro signed Act 146 to specifically allow the inclusion of pets on domestic violence orders of protection. Originally sponsored by Reps. Christina Sappey and Natalie Mihalek, this new law will give domestic violence survivors a means to provide better protection for their beloved companion animals. The Keystone Link Coalition has published on its website a valuable resource explaining the law and how to go about including pets on protection orders.
View the Act 146 Resource Here.
(Photo: Reps. Sappey and Mihalek joined representatives from the Keystone Link Coalition along with canine advocate Ari, pictured below, from Crisis Center North in Pittsburgh. Ari supports survivors in court through the Paws for Empowerment Program and is advocating for their protection under HB 1210 at the State Capitol.