Bill > H5125

This bill modifies Rhode Island's Domestic Abuse Prevention law to allow family courts to award custody of household pets to plaintiffs in domestic abuse complaints, similar to how child custody is currently handled. The bill specifically defines a "household pet" as a domesticated or tamed animal kept for companionship or pleasure, and adds the option for courts to include pets in protective orders alongside other remedies like restraining orders. By adding this provision, the bill recognizes that pets can be important sources of emotional support and potential targets of abuse in domestic violence situations. The legislation would enable courts to include pets in protective orders, potentially helping to safeguard both the human victims and their animal companions from further harm. The new law would take effect immediately upon passage, giving family courts an additional tool to protect victims of domestic abuse by considering the welfare of household pets in these legal proceedings.

Justice

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