Tuesday, April 11

Pets Protected By Court Order

Maine has become the first State to include pets in protection orders for spouses or partners in an abusive relationship.

(AP)Gov. John Baldacci says the law, which provides for civil penalties such as fines or jail time for those who violate a protection order, should give pause to abusers who might resort to violence or threats against pets as a means of keeping their victims from leaving a relationship.

Law enforcement officials, animal welfare agents and advocates for domestic violence victims say it's not unusual to hear of abusers who vent their rage against a partner's pet.