Letter to the Editor 10-19-18

Dear Editor:
The PAWS Act will allow pets to be protected across state lines when restraining orders are issued in domestic violence cases and/or stalking cases. Several states have adopted this pet protective order statutes at the present time. This bill, H. R. 909/S.322, in the 115th Congress, authorizes grant money to help domestic violence shelters accommodate pets (currently, only 3% of these shelters allow pets) or help arrange for pet shelter. The PAWS Act was reintroduced last February ad has bipartisan support in the 115th Congress with 247 House co-sponsors and 37 Senate co-sponsors. The Senate included the PAWS Act in its version of the Farm Bill.
House Bill 1494/S. 654 is the Prevention of animal Cruelty and Torture Act (PACT) compliments the states' statutes pertaining to the use of animals for torture or for abuse of the pet's owner and abuse of children. This bill is an additional tool to be employed when such cruelty occurs on federal property or otherwise in interstate commerce. This legislation was reintroduced as a bipartisan bill in the 115th Congress. In December, 2017 the bill passed the Senate without amendment and was referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. This legislation is supported by 281 bipartisan Representatives in the House.
Kansas has a very explanatory statute that explains why animal cruelty that is used in domestic violence and in stalking is a felony as is stalking of the pet and the pet owner.  Also watching the internet and council meetings via the local TV station and using this as a means of stalking and domestic violence is a felony with double the length of the prison sentences.
Sincerely,
Arlene F. Clayton