House expands protective orders to include household animals

The Utah House passed House Bill 175 on Jan. 27 to allow courts to include household animals in protective orders and to consider whether a survivor can take a pet with them when seeking an injunction.

Sponsor Representative Romero told the House that many survivors of domestic violence experience threats, injury or loss of pets as a method of control; she cited figures on the floor about pets being targeted by abusers and said the bill defines "household animal" and creates space in court forms to include pet protections. "All this bill does is it defines a household animal ... and it gives the administrative office of courts, to include a space to include, protection of a pet," Romero said.

The sponsor framed the bill as an effort to reduce barriers that keep victims in abusive situations because they fear leaving a pet behind. Representative Romero noted the bill supports courts and community partners in responding to abuse and emphasized its role during COVID when victims are more vulnerable.

The House voted and the clerk reported HB175 passed with 69 yeas and 2 nays. The bill will be transmitted to the Senate for further consideration.

Next steps: HB175 moves to the Senate; supporters described the measure as a non-budget, protections-focused change to court practices.