In this Justice Clearinghouse webinar, Phil Arkow presents a compelling overview of how Pet Protection Orders serve as a powerful legal tool to combat domestic violence and animal abuse. Arkow, an internationally recognized educator and coordinator of the National Link Coalition, explains how 42 U.S. states have enacted legislation allowing courts to include pets in domestic violence protection orders. He emphasizes the deep connection—referred to as “the Link”—between animal abuse and other forms of family violence, including child abuse, elder abuse, and intimate partner violence. By illustrating that harm to animals often coincides with threats or acts of violence against humans, Arkow makes the case for a multidisciplinary, community-based response.
The webinar explores the legal evolution of Pet Protection Orders, beginning with Maine in 2006, and details how legislative momentum spread across the country. Arkow discusses how abusers use pets as tools of coercive control and how this threat can delay or prevent victims from seeking safety. He shares compelling research and case studies showing the increased danger victims face when animal cruelty is present, and how fear for pets’ welfare becomes a barrier to escape.
Phil also highlights the 2018 federal PAWS Act, which expanded protections and funding for domestic violence shelters to accommodate pets. He addresses legal challenges and opposition to these laws from groups like the gun lobby and agriculture industry, as well as concerns from within the domestic violence advocacy community.
Ultimately, the webinar encourages professionals in law enforcement, social work, advocacy, and legal fields to view animal protection as integral to human safety. Arkow concludes by urging continued education, collaboration, and legislative engagement to expand protections, emphasizing that preventing harm to animals is often key to preventing harm to people.
Click here to view and register for other upcoming Animal Welfare webinars on the JCH Platform.
Audience Comments
- “I loved it! I was recently hired as a case manager, and I have also been fostering cats for around 3 years, so I have always been interested in caring for animals. Thank you for this informative webinar, and I will definitely be sharing it with my coworkers.”
- “Thank you for a terrific presentation. Really appreciated the scope and directness.”
- “Learned a lot about connections of violence and different state laws that pertain to animals with regards to domestic violence.”
- “This was such an interesting topic, and it had a lot of factual information to refer back to. I will definitely be researching more into this.”
- “Great webinar, as a victim witness coordinator, I appreciate any information on resources that are not the norm. As a whole, we forget that while we may have one victim of domestic violence, that in reality there is a whole village, children, pets, parents, job, and friends. It’s not just one person.”
- “I did not realize so many states have passed laws to include animals in protective orders. Thank you, Phil Arkow and the National Link Coalition, for the valuable information that you maintain and provide free to the public to protect animals and people. Thank you, JCH, for providing a platform for such important issues.”
- “I sincerely appreciate The LINK and Phil’s expertise and advocacy. Please have him back for more webinars in the future.”
This webinar has been certified by the National Animal Care & Control Association and is approved for 1 Continuing Education Unit. Please refer to your NACA membership portal for current CEU submission process. Current NACA Members who attend the live presentation or watch the recording will be able to download a jointly issued attendance certificate that includes the National Animal Care & Control Association logo. Visit the NACA training page for a complete list of future trainings.
