HARTFORD – State Representative John Hetherington, R- 125^th District, New Canaan and Wilton joined Gov. M. Jodi Rell for a public bill signing of a new law to protect pets in domestic violence cases. The ceremony took place at the Connecticut Human Society in Newington.

“Pets present a chance for an abuser to hurt or intimidate a victim,” said Rep. Hetherington. “There have been cases where pets have been tortured, killed and mutilated in domestic situations involving violent individuals. This law gives courts the power to assure domestic violence victims that their pets will not be attacked by a violent household member.”

The legislation, SB-284, permits courts to issue orders of protection for animals owned or kept by victims of family violence, stalking, or harassment. The orders may prohibit respondents or defendants from injuring or threatening to injure the animals. In family violence cases, the order may be a civil restraining order, or a criminal protective order.

The new law takes effect October 1, 2007.

Criminal violation of a restraining or protective order is a class D felony, punishable by up to five years in prison, a $ 5,000 fine, or both.

Representative Hetherington co-sponsored the legislation, which passed the state Senate in a unanimous 35-0 vote and the House by a 143-4 vote.

HARTFORD – State Representative John Hetherington, R- 125th District, New Canaan and Wilton joined Gov. M. Jodi Rell for a public bill signing of a new law to protect pets in domestic violence cases. The ceremony took place at the Connecticut Human Society in Newington.

HARTFORD – State Representative John Hetherington, R- 125^th District, New Canaan and Wilton joined Gov. M. Jodi Rell for a public bill signing of a new law to protect pets in domestic violence cases. The ceremony took place at the Connecticut Human Society in Newington.