Harming or threatening pets would be a family violence offence under Tasmanian independent MPs push
By Sophie Jaggers
Posted to ABC News, 05/08/24 – 8:59am (Updated 05/08/24 – 11:57am)
Independent MP David O’Byrne is proposing a change to Tasmania’s family violence laws to include harming, or threatening to harm, animals as a form of family violence.
Support services say instances of threats to harm pets are “incredibly common” in abusive relationships.
Mr O’Byrne plans to table his proposal in state parliament this week, with the government saying it is willing to “consider” the legislation and let parliament decide.
Independent, David O'Byrne is set to table a new bill in Parliament aimed at protecting people and pets fleeing family violence
Broadcast on Nightly News 7 Tasmania, 04/08/24
Independent, David O’Byrne is set to table a new bill in Parliament this week aimed at protecting people and pets fleeing family violence. It comes at a time when coercive control is rife amongst communities, with Tasmania looking to fall in line with legislation in other states.