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Protect Women and Pets From Domestic Abuse in South Carolina
  1. Signatures
    2,116 out of 2,500
    Petitioning
    1. The SC State Senate (+ 1 other)
      Petitioning
      close
      • The SC State Senate
      • The SC State House
  2. Created By
    Stephanie Feldstein
    Ypsilanti, MI
About this Petition Petition Letter Petition Updates

According to the American Humane Association, 71 percent of women with pets who entered women's shelters reported that their abuser had threatened, injured or killed their pets. According to the ASPCA, 50 percent of domestic violence victims delay seeking help out of fear for their animals.

It's common for abusers to use violence toward pets as a means to control their victims, so these women have good reason to fear for their pets if they leave. Most Americans view pets as part of their families and, especially for people in stressful situations, animals are a source of comfort. So, women are forced to choose between protecting their pets and their own safety.

No one should have to make that choice. There are currently 17 states that include provisions for pets in domestic violence protection orders. South Carolina could be next.

S. 540 would allow the courts to include animals in orders of protection. Even if the woman needs to go to a shelter that doesn't allow pets, the courts can remove pets from the home to ensure that they remain safe.

This important bill provides a safety net that will allow women to seek help without worrying that they're leaving their pets in danger. Ask South Carolina legislators to pass S. 540 to protect human and animal victims of domestic violence.

Photo credit: Ed Yourdon

Why People Are Signing
Recent Signatures

Please Pass S. 540: Protect Women and Animals From Domestic Abuse

Greetings,

I am writing to urge you to pass S 540, the bill sponsored by Sen. Leventis which would allow pets to be included in orders of protection.

There are currently 17 states that include provisions for pets in domestic violence protection orders. This provides a safety net that allows women to seek help without worrying that they're leaving their pets in danger.

Most Americans consider pets to be part of the family and, in cases of domestic violence, it's common for the abuser to use violence and threats toward pets to control their victims. According to the American Humane Association, 71 percent of women with pets who entered women's shelters reported that their abuser had threatened, injured or killed their pets. And according to the ASPCA, 50 percent of domestic violence victims delay seeking help out of fear for their animals.

No one should have to choose between protecting their pets and their own safety. Please pass S. 540 to protect human and animal victims of domestic violence.

[Your name]

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