According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, 71 percent of domestic violence survivors report that their abuser has threatened, injured, or killed family pets. Unfortunately, many domestic violence shelters are unable to take in animals, making a survivor’s decision to leave even more complicated. The fear of what might happen to their pets can delay people from leaving an abusive situation.

The federal government has recognized this problem since 2018, when it created a grant system for state and local governments to shelter the pets and service animals of domestic violence survivors. We can make similar efforts on the state level.

To this end, I will introduce a Senate companion to Representative Smith-Wade-El’s House Bill 2476. This legislation would make expenses related to the relocation of pets an “out-of-pocket loss” compensable under the Crime Victim Compensation Program, which currently covers relocation expenses necessary to protect the health and safety of the victim and other individuals in their household.

This change would take away a daunting obstacle for those faced with the prospect of leaving an abusive relationship. Please join me in helping to remove that obstacle by co-sponsoring this legislation.