The District Reporter latest article from CMC discusses a bill introduced to Parliament recently, offering greater protections for victims of family violence, including protections for our beloved pets.
You may not know it, but at CMC we are a firm of pet-lovers. From cats, to chickens, horses and countless dogs. We love our fur children (although in this writer’s humble opinion, dogs are far superior to cats….but any who, we digress). Therefore in October we were pleased to hear that a bill was introduced in NSW Parliament to provide greater protections to victims of family violence and their pets under proposed Apprehended Domestic Violence Order (ADVO) reforms.
Currently, ADVOs have conditions that prohibit offenders from harassing, stalking or intimidating the protected person, or from destroying or damaging property. This bill seeks to extend the definition of ‘intimidation’ to explicitly also cover harm to, or threats of harm to, animals. The bill will also ensure that the protection of animals will be a standard condition of ADVOs. Therefore if an offender harms or threatens to harm a pet, whilst animal cruelty laws still apply, they may also be charged with domestic violence offences.
Family violence is defined very broadly under the Family Law Act, and these changes bring ADVO laws more in line with this definition.
Even additionally, the NSW Government has provided funding of $500,000 for the Pets and Animal Welfare Support (PAWS) Grants Program whereby one-off grants will be offered to refuges and animal shelters to support pets when victims flee violent homes. This will mean refuges can be made pet-friendly, allowing victims to take their pets with them when they leave, rather than having to leave them behind or surrender/rehome them. Also, it will mean animal welfare agencies will be better equipped to assist victims in caring for pets while victims re-establish themselves in a safe environment.
As family lawyers and animal lovers, one of the hardest parts of our jobs is being exposed to family violence matters, including those involving harm, or threats of harm, to humans and animals. We are aware of the difficult choice many victims face when leaving a violent relationship in terms of leaving their pet, and therefore we welcome this bill, and hope it passes swiftly so the provisions can be enacted.
Family violence in any form is abuse, whether that be against a person or a pet. Our pets offer us unconditional affection and love (ok well maybe not cats, we’re pretty sure they consider us hairless slaves). In return, we must ensure they are protected and safe. This Bill is a great first step.
If you and your pet need assistance in relation to a family violence matter, please give us a call. We will also be able to offer some referrals to relevant services that may be able to assist you and your pet during such a difficult time.
