GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA

SESSION 2009

S                                                                                                                                                    D

SENATE DRS85167-LU-104*  (03/10)

Short Title:        Strengthen Dom. Vio. Protective Orders/Pets.		(Public)
Sponsors:	Senator Boseman.
Referred to:

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT strengthening domestic violence protective orders to provide for the protection of pets.

The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:

SECTION 1.  G.S. 50B‑3(a) is amended by adding the following new subdivisions to read:

"(a)       If the court, including magistrates as authorized under G.S. 50B‑2(c1), finds that an act of domestic violence has occurred, the court shall grant a protective order restraining the defendant from further acts of domestic violence. A protective order may include any of the following types of relief:

…

(14) Provide for the care, custody, and control of any animal owned, possessed, kept, or held as a pet by either party or minor child residing in the household.

(15) Direct a party to refrain from the cruel treatment or abuse of an animal owned, possessed, kept, or held as a pet."

SECTION 2.  This act is effective when it becomes law.