Judges could address animals in protection orders for abuse

The proposed text defines “abuse” to include stalking or sexual assault, or specified acts by one household member against another. The listed conduct includes physical harm, threats, strangulation, severe emotional distress, harassment, interference with communication, harm to children or animals, and other specified acts. Stalking or sexual assault may be committed by a household member or anyone else. The other listed conduct must be by one household member against another.

A court may decide who can possess or control an animal, or restrict what a party may do with it, in a protection order. The animal may be kept, owned, or leased by either party or by a child who lives with either party. The court may prohibit a party from taking, transferring, hiding, mistreating, harming, or disposing of the animal.