The Power of Animal-Inclusive Protection Orders
When someone experiences domestic violence, the safety of their pets is often at risk too. Abusers may harm or threaten animals as a way to maintain control. Recognizing this, many states have adopted animal-inclusive protection order statutes, allowing survivors to include their pets in protective orders.
A recent article in Violence Against Women—“Animal-Inclusive Protection Order Statutes: A Powerful Tool for Addressing and Mitigating Coercive Control” by Amy J. Fitzgerald—shows just how critical these protections are. By analyzing legal judgments across the U.S., Fitzgerald found that these statutes provide much-needed protection for survivors, particularly from ongoing coercive control. They ensure pets are treated as family members, not property, and remove one of the biggest barriers survivors face when leaving abusive situations.
Why It Matters
Without these laws, survivors are often forced into an impossible choice: stay in danger, or leave a beloved animal behind. By including pets in protection orders, states are helping families stay whole and safe.
Take Action
While this research highlights progress, not all protections are equal—and Ohio still has work to do to strengthen its animal and survivor safety laws. You can help. Visit our Action Alerts page to add your voice. Current priorities include:
Speaking out against wildlife killing contests
Supporting stronger penalties for animal cruelty
Protecting housing resources for families with pets
Together, we can ensure Ohio law protects every member of the family—people and pets alike.
