Domestic Violence Protective Orders for Pets

Several times on this blog, I have discussed the special needs of pet owners and how estate planners can take steps to carry out the intent of their pet-owning clients.  Follow this link for a comprehensive discussion.  Although 35 jurisdictions now have special legislation governing trusts for pet animals, some individuals still are skeptical about the importance of pets to estate planning.

The newest trend for the protection of pets began yesterday (March 31, 2006) when Maine John Baldacci signed legislation allowing animals to be included in protection orders in domestic violence cases.  It seems that

many men who abuse wives or girlfriends threaten or harm their animals to coerce or control the women. * * *

Maine is believed to be the first state with such a law. But the issue has captured attention around the country as police departments, domestic-violence programs, animal protection societies and state officials become increasingly aware of a link between domestic violence and animal abuse.

See Pam Belluck, New Maine Law Shields Animals in Domestic Violence Cases, NY Times, April 1, 2006.