In a monumental victory for animal rights, the state of Washington's Supreme Court just ruled that animal abuse can count as a form of domestic violence. In a case where a man brutally beat and murdered an innocent chihuahua in a parking lot, the court ruled a domestic violence designation. If Colorado wants to remain a leader on animal rights issues, it must follow suit.
Sign now to demand that the state of Colorado include animal abuse on the list of things that can constitute domestic violence!
The purpose of domestic violence statutes is to ensure that victims are protected in the legal system – something we can all get behind. By including violence against animals within these designations, animals are effectively gaining more rights and protection as formal legal victims.
Over the past decade, many researchers have found that the link between domestic violence and animal abuse is real. People who are violent towards their pets are more likely to be violent towards their human partners, too. The relationship is also true in reverse -- those who commit acts of domestic violence are more likely to physically abuse their pets. Since these forms of violence are clearly closely linked, there is no reason animal abuse shouldn't count as a form of domestic violence itself.
Clearly, physically assaulting an animal is a form of domestic violence, and perpetrators of such violence should be treated as they would if they harmed their partner or family member. Now is the time to put pressure on the state of Colorado! Lawmakers must be proactive and stand up for animals to prevent more instances of needless harm and abuse in the future. Sign the petition now if you agree!
