Act 146
Victory for Survivors and Their Pets: HB1210 Becomes Law
On November 18, 2024, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro signed HB1210 into law, officially becoming Act 146. This groundbreaking legislation explicitly allows companion animals to be included in Protection From Abuse (PFA) orders, marking a historic step in safeguarding both human and animal survivors of violence.
This legislative milestone, championed by Representatives Christina Sappey (D-158) and Natalie Mihalek (R-40), was the culmination of a multi-year campaign spearheaded by Humane Action Pennsylvania and a dedicated coalition of animal welfare groups, domestic violence organizations, children’s advocates, and law enforcement agencies.
Humane Action Pennsylvania staff post with Representatives Sappey and Mihalek in Harrisburg
The Road to Victory:
The journey to Act 146’s passage was one of persistence, education, and collaboration.
- Advocacy Efforts: Humane Action Pennsylvania led an intensive campaign to educate lawmakers and the public about the critical link between animal abuse and domestic violence.
- Coalition Building: A diverse group of stakeholders, including domestic violence shelters like Crisis Center North, law enforcement agencies like the PA Sheriffs’ Association and District Attorneys’ Association, and dozens of animal welfare organizations, united to support HB1210.
Legislative Milestones: In June 2023, HB1210 passed the PA House with bipartisan support, and the coalition worked tirelessly to secure its passage by a virtually unanimous vote in the Senate in November 2024.
HAP Executive Director Natalie Ahwesh speaks at the press conference in support of HB 1210
Why Act 146 Matters
Research consistently demonstrates the strong connection between animal cruelty and domestic violence:
- 71% of pet-owning women entering domestic violence shelters reported that their abuser had harmed, killed, or threatened a pet.
- 41% of domestic violence offenders have histories of animal cruelty.
- Survivors often delay leaving abusive situations out of fear for their pets’ safety.
Act 146 eliminates this barrier by ensuring that pets can be protected alongside their families. As Senator Dan Laughlin (R-49) noted, “By protecting pets within protection from abuse orders, we are also protecting the people who love them.”
Resources for Survivors, Law Enforcement, and Advocates
To support the implementation of Act 146, Humane Action Pennsylvania is providing resources for survivors, law enforcement, and advocates:
For Survivors:
If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE.
Many domestic violence shelters now offer pet accommodations. Check with local shelters for availability.
For Law Enforcement:
Access training resources on recognizing the link between animal cruelty and domestic violence through the National Link Coalition.
For Advocates:
Share HAP’s HB1210 Fact Sheet to raise awareness about the connection between animal welfare and domestic violence. Help others understand how Act 146 protects both people and pets. Download the Fact Sheet here.
A Message from Our Leadership
“Protecting animals is about protecting families; with Act 146, we’re empowering survivors to leave dangerous situations without abandoning their beloved pets. This is a victory for both humans and animals experiencing violence, and we are proud of the coalition and community that made this possible.”
Get Involved
The passage of Act 146 is a significant win, but our work continues. Help us:
→ → → Support survivors by donating to our programs that provide education and outreach.
→ → → Advocate for pets and people by joining our Ending Canine Cruelty Coalition.
Together, we can create a safer and more compassionate Pennsylvania for all.
