Blog Posts

It's Unanimous! SB 97 Passes Unopposed in the State Senate

5/7/2015

On Wednesday, May 6, 2015 Wisconsin state senators showed support for victims of domestic violence and their beloved companion pets by passing SB 97, a bill that will allow pets to be included on temporary retraining orders. Here’s the press release issued by the bill’s co-authors, State Senator Tim Carpenter and Rep. Andre Jacque. Stay tuned for details on the bill’s journey to the Assembly!

See the press release below for more details.

Denice Ryan Martin, a volunteer with Wisconsin Voters for Companion Animals, is a freelance writer, licensed social worker and animal welfare advocate. She first wrote about this topic in May 2013. http://www.wivotersforcompanionanimals.com/blog/leave-no-pet-behind-why-wisconsin-needs-a-law-to-protectpetsfrom-domestic-violence

SB 97 Pet Protection Orders Heading towards Passage!

4/29/2015

Megan Senatori and Shannon Barry testify at the hearing for SB97.

Robbyn Bowman gives compelling testimony at the public hearing for SB97.

Great news, friends! On Tuesday, April 28, 2015, SB 97 came up for a vote in the Senate Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety. It passed unanimously 5-0!

This vote is encouraging and heartwarming news for domestic violence victims as well as family violence prevention and animal welfare advocates.

At the same time, the outcome was not surprising. That’s because last week members of the Committee heard convincing testimony in the form of victim stories and statistics on why Wisconsin needs legislation to protect the pets of domestic violence victims.

Those who testified included Megan Senatori, Co-Founder/President of Sheltering Animals of Abuse Victims, Shannon Barry, Exec. Director at Domestic Abuse Intervention Services, WI State Rep. Terese Berceau (a sponsor of companion bill AB 141), Tony Gibart, Public Policy Director of End Domestic Abuse Wisconsin, domestic violence survivor and advocate Robbyn Bowman; Jeni Haddad, Domestic Violence Program Director for the Family Support Center in Chippewa Falls; Crystal Hester, MSW intern at NASW-Wisconsin; and Anne Reed, Executive Director of Wisconsin Humane Society.

Ms. Bowman’s testimony was especially compelling as she shared her story about the death of her beloved dog Lambeau at the hands of her now ex-husband. (More of her story can be seen on this link to Madison TV station WKOW's website.)
http://www.wkow.com/story/28885322/2015/04/23/womans-loss-illustrates-importance-of-bill-to-protect-pets-of-domestic-violence-victims

State Sen. Tim Carpenter expressed his appreciation towards those who spoke at the hearing in favor of the bill, as well as those groups who formally supported but did not testify, including, but not limited to State Rep. Andre Jacque - who introduced companion bill AB 141, WI Voters for Companion Animals, Wisconsin Coalition Against Sexual Assault, and Wisconsin Veterinary Medical Assn.

In a released statement, Sen. Carpenter said: “I’m grateful that so many people took the time to come testify about the need for this bill, and how it will help victims of abuse and their pets. The personal stories that victims shared with the committee were compelling and point to the need for giving a judge explicit authority in these matters. I was genuinely moved that one victim drove over 5 hours from Northern Wisconsin to be able to testify.”

No one at the hearing spoke in opposition to this bill.

As to what happens next, according to Sen. Carpenter’s office, the bill is now available for scheduling. It is up to the Senate Majority Leader Sen. Scott Fitzgerald to decide whether or when this bill will be brought up before the full senate for a vote.

One cannot help but be optimistic that this bill will be passed. Some of the conversation among committee members during the public hearing included their own statements about how much their pets mean to them and how they view them as family members. It’s a safe bet to think most legislators, like the general public, feel the same way.

We’ll keep you posted. Onwards and upwards!

Denice Ryan Martin, a volunteer with Wisconsin Voters for Companion Animals, is a freelance writer, licensed social worker and animal welfare advocate. She first wrote about this topic in May 2013. http://www.wivotersforcompanionanimals.com/blog/leave-no-pet-behind-why-wisconsin-needs-a-law-to-protectpetsfrom-domestic-violence

Additional information on SB 97:

Update: A Call to Action! New Bill to Protect Pets of Domestic Violence Victims

4/19/2015

The Wisconsin Senate’s Judiciary and Public Safety Committee has scheduled a public hearing on SB 97 Thursday, April 23, 2015 at 10 am in 330 Southwest of the Capitol Building in Madison. Here’s your opportunity to learn more or weigh in on this proposed bill that will allow domestic violence victims to include their pets on protective orders.

State Senator Tim Carpenter (D-Milwaukee) introduced the bill in late March. Support continues to grow, as more citizens, helping agencies and nonprofit groups find out about SB 97 and its companion bill AB 141.

Supporters include the National Association of Social Workers- Wisconsin chapter; End Domestic Abuse Wisconsin, Sheltering Animals of Abuse Victims (SAAV), WI Voters for Companion Animals, Wisconsin Humane Society, the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), and the National Link Coalition. That’s just to name a few.

Megan Senatori, Co-Founder/President of SAAV, has long championed the need for this legislation and plans to testify at the hearing.

“I know firsthand from almost 15 years of experience working with victims through SAAV, that victims can, and do, risk their own personal safety to protect the lives of their loved ones, and that includes the animal members of their family,” Senatori said. “I hope that the Wisconsin Legislature will embrace this legislation and give victims in our state the tools necessary to protect themselves, by providing a means to ensure the safety for their pets.”

Companion bill AB 141 was filed in the Wisconsin State Assembly by Rep. Andre Jacque(R-DePere). While serving on the WI Council on Domestic Violence and a leadership council for a Green Bay domestic violence shelter, he said he learned “how pets are among the many leverage points used by abusers to exercise control over their victims, luring them to return to a dangerous situation.”

Jacque, who received the End Domestic Abuse Wisconsin’s Legislative Champion Award in 2012, said he strongly believes this legislation will have a “positive impact” on the lives of domestic violence victims and their pets.

Do you know how your state legislator feels about this proposed bill? I encourage you to find out today!

Read more about Senate Bill 97 by clicking here.

Denice Ryan Martin, a volunteer with Wisconsin Voters for Companion Animals, is a freelance writer, licensed social worker and animal welfare advocate. She first wrote about this topic in May 2013. http://www.wivotersforcompanionanimals.com/blog/leave-no-pet-behind-why-wisconsin-needs-a-law-to-protectpetsfrom-domestic-violence

Platteville, Grant County, Wisconsin Rejects Breed Discriminatory Legislation

4/14/2015

Platteville in Grant County is the largest city in southwestern Wisconsin. It is the home of the University of Wisconsin - Platteville. Alderman Mike Denn recently proposed changes to the city's animal ordinances. He wanted to include a breed discriminatory wording that would include restrictions on pit bull terrier ownership.

At the April 14 Council meeting the council voted to reject his proposal and retain their current breed neutral animal ordinance. Hats off to the elected officials in Platteville who carefully listened to all of the input from their citizens. Thanks to their wise decision ALL dog lovers can enjoy living in and visiting Platteville, Wisconsin.

A Call to Action! New Bill to Protect Pets of Domestic Violence Victims

4/3/2015

Good news, Wisconsin pet lovers!

State Senator Tim Carpenter (D-Milwaukee) has introduced a bill – SB 97- that would allow domestic violence victims to keep their pets with them when filing for restraining orders. In a show of bi-partisan support, Rep. Jacque (R-DePere) filed a companion assembly bill, AB 141.

This is heartening news for those victims who have been forced to leave their pets behind when fleeing violent home environments. This bill will also be welcomed by professionals who work in the fields of animal care and welfare and family violence prevention. Many have heard accounts or witnessed first hand the cruelty inflicted on pets left alone in homes with abusers. Sometimes the pets are killed. It’s well-known that perpetrators often target beloved pets of victims in an effort to control or punish them.

When asked what his personal motivation was in introducing SB 97, Sen. Carpenter responded:

“Animals play an important part in our lives and it is our responsibility to make sure our treatment of them is humane. In researching legislation passed by other states I found that Wisconsin was not one of the 28 other states that allow pets to be placed on court orders protecting abuse victims. Our pets can be much loved members of our family, and the thought of them being used to control someone in an abusive situation is abhorrent. I hope that we will be able to pass SB 97 quickly this session."

Phil Arkow is the coordinator of The National Link Coalition, the National Resource Center on The Link between Animal Abuse and Human Violence. A nationally renowned speaker and instructor, he also tracks legislation in this arena. Arkow offered this response to the news of SB 97 and HB 141:

“The National Link Coalition applauds the 23 Wisconsin legislators who have already signed on to sponsor these significant bills, which would join Wisconsin to the 28 other states that have already enacted similar laws to protect all vulnerable members of families experiencing domestic violence. We are especially impressed with one provision of these bills that has not appeared elsewhere: all 28 states have provisions that enjoin the respondent from harming the animals, but the Wisconsin bills are unique in also granting the petitioner legal access to return home to retrieve her pets.”

And there’s even more good news. Action is taking place on a federal level as well. A bi-partisan bill, HR 1258, introduced by Rep. Katherine M. Clark (D-MA-5) criminalizes the intentional targeting of a domestic partner’s pet with the intent to kill, injure, harass, or intimidate.

For a complete summary of HR 1258, also known as the Pet and Women Safety (PAWS) Act, go to: https://www.congress.gov/bill/114th-congress/house-bill/1258

Aesop is credited with saying, “No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.”

Now’s the time for a small act of kindness on behalf of domestic violence victims and their pets. Please contact your state legislators and urge them to pass SB 97 and AB 141. And, while you’re at it, please ask your representatives in Washington to support the PAWS Act.

To find your state legislators click on this link and enter your address in the top right corner.

To find your federal legislators click on this link and enter your zip code.

Additional reading:

City of Milwaukee Trap Neuter Return Ordinance Up for Review

3/17/2015

In 2010 the City of Milwaukee adopted an ordinance that allowed a 5 year pilot project Trap Neuter Return (TNR) program for community cats with the Wisconsin Humane Society. This ordinance is scheduled to expire soon.

Trap Neuter Return (including vaccinations) is the only effective method to stabilize and eventually reduce the community cat population. Every city and town in America needs to have an uncomplicated TNR program that makes it easy for the ordinary citizen to participate.
When all citizens can participate, nuisance complaints will be reduced, the number of cats and kittens brought into animal control to be euthanized will also decrease.

The current Milwaukee ordinance is cumbersome and deters average citizens from having one or two cats that may be hanging out in their yard sterilized. The current ordinance requires "colony caregivers" to commit to a training and record-keeping program for their "colony" of cats. They must also commit to feeding, watering and sheltering the cats. Many citizens who are unwilling to make this time and training commitment will instead choose to leave the cats unsterilized.

On Thursday, March 19 at 9 a.m. the ordinance will be discussed at the Public Safety Committee meeting at City Hall. Supporters of Trap Neuter Return are encouraged to attend. If you are unable to attend you can email your letter of support for a revised Trap Neuter Return program to [email protected]

The documentation and recommendations from both the Wisconsin Humane Society and the Department of Neighborhood Services can be found at this link:

https://milwaukee.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=2234408&GUID=B62FF7F3-8B39-4135-B73A-311E1BC0991D&Options&Search

City of Juneau, Wisconsin Removes Breed Discriminatory Language (BDL) from Dog Ordinance

3/10/2015

The City of Juneau is the County Seat of Dodge County, Wisconsin with a population of 2814 people. The city website proudly declares Juneau as having "close proximity to larger cities" and "provides excellent shopping and cultural opportunities, yet one can still enjoy the small community atmosphere Juneau has to offer."

Recently, a local resident and her adopted "pit bull" terrier, moved to town but discovered that a city ordinance prohibited her breed of dog. Luckily, the Juneau Police Chief was in favor of repealing the ordinance because of the difficulty in enforcing it.

At the March 10 Council meeting the council officially removed all references to breed in their dog ordinance without any opposition.

Hats off to the elected officials in Juneau. ALL dog lovers can once again enjoy living in and visiting Juneau, Wisconsin.

Thank you WBEV1430 Radio for covering this story. Here is the link to their website and a summary of their coverage:

Juneau Repeals Pit Bull Ordinance
3/11/15 - Officials in Juneau voted unanimously last night to repeal a city ordinance that prohibits pit bulls. The ordinance that had been on the books outlaws the Staffordshire bull terrier, American Pit Bull and American Staffordshire terrier, along with any dog that has the appearance and characteristics of a pit bull. Police Chief Dave Beal says the ordinance was unnecessary as there is already a vicious dog’s ordinance on the books. Resident Renada Sharp moved to Juneau seven months ago and learned about the ordinance when she went to City Hall to register her pit bull. She says she is looking forward to taking her two-old pit bill Shadow for a walk. Ironically, Sharp tells is she was bit by a dog just a couple days ago. The breed: a Dachshund, also known as a “wiener dog.”

Wisconsin SB191 - AB230 Dogs Seized in Fight Cases. Give These Victims of Cruelty A Chance!

3/2/2015

Senate Bill: SB191: Introduced by Senators Lassa and Risser, cosponsored by
Representatives Spiros, Berceau, Bernier, Jacque, Johnson,
Nass [now Senator], Ohnstad, Pasch, Schraa, Shankland, Sinicki, C. Taylor and Weatherston. Senator Carpenter added as a coauthor.

Assembly Bill: AB230: Introduced by Representatives Spiros, Berceau, Bernier, Jacque, Johnson, Nass [now Senator], Ohnstad, Pasch, Schraa, Shankland, Sinicki, C. Taylor and Weatherston; cosponsored by Senators Lassa and Risser

Summary: Under current law, if an animal is being held in custody, the owner of the animal is convicted of a crime related to animal fighting, and the animal is one year old or older or shows indication of having participated in fighting, the animal must be disposed of in a proper and humane manner.

Under the bill, if any animal is being held in custody and the owner of the animal is convicted of having participated in animal fighting, the animal may either be disposed of in a proper and humane manner or, if the person with custody of the animal determines that the animal does not pose a threat to humans or other animals, be released to a person other than the owner.

Why is this correction needed?
We have learned so much about dogfighting since the Michael Vick case. We have learned that dogs that are associated with bad owners can still be perfectly “normal” dogs! Not only that, but some of these dogs may have been stolen, or otherwise strayed into the wrong back yard. They should be evaluated by professionals and if safe, allowed to be released to a rescue organization.

Can a dangerous dog be released to the public?
Dogs associated with fight cases should be evaluated by a professional. We do NOT advocate for releasing dangerous dogs- but we do advocate for innocent dogs caught up in the crimes of their owners. Many rescues are capable of, and WANT to raise money for these victims of cruelty. In other cases, outside groups have volunteered their evaluations for free (such as Animal Farm Foundation, who recently volunteered to evaluate dogs in a Milwaukee fight bust). Having a bad owner should NOT be a death sentence for a dog!

What has to happen to get these bills active again?
Sponsors are needed to bring these bills up again. A public hearing is required in their appropriate committees. The Senate bill needs an identical Assembly bill (SB191 and AB230 are identical)

Have any of these bills gone to a public hearing? Yes, AB230 passed the Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security unanimously (Ayes 7, Noes 0) on 10/29/13

Milwaukee Court Case Dogs - Frequently Asked Questions

2/23/2015

How many dogs have been held in Instigating Animal Fighting cases in Milwaukee?
There are approximately 40 dogs being held from multiple cases.

How long have the court case dogs been held?
Six dogs from one fight case were seized by MPD on 6/10/11. These dogs have been held ever since; the case is still unresolved. So far this amounts to 3.7 years.

What are the costs to the taxpayers for holding one dog for a day? For 40 dogs for over one year?
Estimates have varied between $14 and $18 a day. The average is $16 a day. For one year, this comes to $233,600 ($16 a day for 40 dogs x 365 days). For 3.7 years, the bill comes to $864,320!

Are there any standards for the conditions that they are being held in, that are mandated by the state? Are there any laws in place that give these dogs any minimum quality of care? Are they allowed volunteers for visiting hours, training, or enrichment?
None

What condition are these dogs in physically & mentally? Can we get any information on them? What are their ages? Breeds? Intake numbers?
Unknown. MADACC will not release any information related to an ongoing investigation.

Why are they still being held?
Wisconsin State Statute 173.12 states that an animal seized in animal fighting be held to a separate standard than a victim of cruelty in other types of cruelty cases.

What happens at the end of the case?
The dog(s) may be euthanized simply on the basis of its looks and/or age:
If the animal is one year old or older or shows indication of having participated in fighting, the animal shall be disposed of in a proper and humane manner.

What is being done in other states?
Many states have instituted Costs of Care laws for seized animals (example, Delaware and Pennsylvania). For more information, just search for “Cost of Care of Seized Animals”.

What laws are “ready to go” and will help the court case dogs?
WI Senate Bills: SB191 & SB319; WI Assembly Bill: AB230

What has to happen to get these bills active again?
Sponsors are needed to bring these bills up again. A public hearing is required in their appropriate committees. The Senate bill needs an identical Assembly bill (SB191 and AB230 are identical, SB319 needs an Assemblyman to sponsor an identical bill in the assembly)

Have any of these bills gone to a public hearing?
Yes, AB230 passed the Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security unanimously (Ayes 7, Noes 0) on 10/29/13.

Let's Protect Our Pets from Domestic Violence

1/19/2015

With a new legislative session starting, hope springs eternal.

At the top of my list for potential animal welfare legislation is a law that would keep our pets safe from domestic violence. Commonly called a pet protection order, this law would enable domestic violence victims to include their pets in domestic violence restraining orders.

Recently, Ohio became the 28th state to pass a Pet Protection Order. (See the National Link Coalition January 2015 piece below.) Note our neighboring states in Minnesota, Illinois and Iowa have such a law in place. What's holding Wisconsin back? Let's be #29!

http://nationallinkcoalition.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/LinkLetter-2015-January.pdf