Pet protective orders falter in the Senate

Pets won't be covered by protective orders, at least not this year.

HB342, which would have given judges the ability to consider pets when issuing protective orders, faltered in the Senate.

Sen. Peter Knudson, R-Brigham City, who was the bill's Senate floor sponsor, said the legislation was not meant to protect pets, but rather their owners who were caught in domestic violence situations.

Knudson said that people are often unlikely to leave abusive relationships if they have to leave their pets behind.

Sen. Jon Greiner, R-Ogden, encouraged his fellow senators to vote against the bill. Greiner said the HB342 would require law enforcement to take on extra duties.

Senate Majority Leader, Curtis Bramble, R-Provo, also opposed the bill.

The bill failed 11-15.