CONCORD, N.H. (AP) - New Hampshire lawmakers have reached a tentative deal to including household pets in orders protecting victims of domestic violence.
House and Senate negotiators agreed Friday to expand the orders to include pets in cases involving stalking and domestic violence. The bill would allow judges to grant custody of any domestic pets or farm animals to the victim and issue an order barring the abuser from harming or disposing of the animal.
The House and Senate must approve the deal.
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.
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