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Martiga Lohn
St. Paul, Minn.

Minn. bill looks at role of pets in domestic abuse

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State lawmakers are considering a bill that would extend domestic violence protections to pets.

The proposal would make Minnesota the 14th state to include pets in protective orders designed to keep abusers from hurting victims.

Advocates say almost half of battered women stay in dangerous situations out of fear of what might happen to their pets if they leave.

The bill from Democratic Rep. Michael Paymar of St. Paul would add pets to a list of considerations for protective orders, such as temporary custody of children, no-contact orders and counseling requirements.

The bill passed a House crime victims panel this week with some opposition from those concerned about the potential implications for gun owners. A Senate version awaits a floor vote.

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)