Animal protection bill sent to Senate floor
A bill that would allow pets to be included in protective orders made it out the Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Committee on Monday.
Its sponsor, Rep. Scott Wyatt, R-Logan, described HB342, as a move designed to protect people, not pets.
Wyatt told the committee that people in abusive relationships are sometimes reluctant to leave or end the relationship because of fear their pets might be harmed.
"This close tie between people and their pets is being used (by the abusers)," Wyatt said.
Sen. Jon Greiner, R-Ogden, opposed the bill on the grounds it might require law enforcement to take on extra responsibilities.
Wyatt said he was asked to sponsor the bill by the Utah Domestic Violence Council.
The committee voted 3-1 to send the bill to the Senate floor. It has already passed the House.
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