Household pets could be protected in court orders protecting victims of domestic violence under a bill before the New Hampshire House.
The House is scheduled to vote this week on a bill aimed at protecting pets from harm in cases involving stalking and domestic violence. The bill would allow the court to grant custody of the pet to the victim and issue an order barring the abuser from harming or disposing of the animal.
Supporters argue abusers sometimes take their anger out on a pet or attempt to intimidate victims by targeting a pet.
Opponents argue the bill isn't needed because cruelty to animals already is a crime.