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Bill

HB 177

Domestic relations; protection for household pets in both family violence and dating violence protective orders; provide

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Kasey Carpenter and 4 co-sponsors

Georgia law now allows domestic violence protective orders to include pet custody and protection provisions, helping abuse victims safeguard animals used as control tactics.

Effective Date
#animals #domesticrelations
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Bill Summary · HB 177

Legislative bill overview

HB 177 expands Georgia's family violence and dating violence protective orders to include provisions protecting household pets. The bill allows courts to issue orders that grant custody of pets to the protected party and prohibit the respondent from possessing, harassing, or threatening animals in the household.

Why is this important

Pets are often used as tools of coercion and control in domestic violence situations, with abusers threatening or harming animals to manipulate victims. By explicitly including pet protection in protective orders, the law removes a significant barrier that may prevent abuse victims from leaving dangerous situations and seeking safety.

Potential points of contention

  • Enforcement challenges: Courts and law enforcement may lack clear procedures for enforcing pet custody provisions, potentially creating compliance gaps
  • Definition disputes: The bill's scope regarding which animals qualify as "household pets" and how temporary versus permanent custody is determined could generate interpretive conflicts
  • Resource implications: Shelters and enforcement agencies may face increased resource demands from handling pet-related protective order violations alongside existing caseloads

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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