NJ Expands Law for Animals

New Jersey lawmakers are one step closer to including animals in domestic-violence related restraining orders. Earlier this week, the New Jersey Assembly’s Judiciary Committee passed the bill; the next step is for the state Senate Judiciary Committee to do the same. The bill, which is receiving bi-partisan support, is intended as a way to provide comfort to domestic-violence victims, as studies show that many victims will stay in unhealthy relationships in order to ensure their companion animals’ safety. The Humane Society of the United States, the Domestic Violence Advocacy Center, Shelter Our Sisters, and many more are in support of the new legislation.