Combating homelessness or a domestic violence situation is a cause that the Humane Society of North Central Florida says some shouldn’t deal with alone.

“And they will not leave that situation if they cannot take their pet with them,” mentioned Margot DeConna the Director of Advancement at the non-profit.

Article featured in The New Barker Dog Magazine

As our nation responds to the COVID- 19 pandemic, reports of increasing rates of domestic violence have surfaced across the country, including Florida. Thankfully, a new lifesaving law (SB 1082), signed by Governor DeSantis, went into effect on July 1, 2020.

Florida law enforcement officers are lending their support for legislation to include pets in domestic violence temporary restraining orders (SB 1082/HB241). In a video posted on the ASPCA's Facebook page, Florida law enforcement officers and State Representative Sam Killebrew urge Floridians to join them in supporting the bill.

The legislation has already passed the House Criminal Justice Subcommittee and the Senate Agriculture Committee. It still must be reviewed by the House Judiciary Committee and the Senate Judiciary and Rules committees.