The Oklahoma Bar Journal March 2024

Killing the animal and saying it didn’t matter because the animal was old, dying, etc. Threatening to harm or

control by a perpetrator of domes tic and child abuse:

Oklahomans and Oklahoma’s animals need laws and lawyers to facilitate safe shelter for both human and animal victims of domestic violence. Possible roles and methods are explored more in the following sections. INCLUDE ANIMALS IN A VICTIM PROTECTIVE ORDER (VPO) Oklahoma’s laws allow the protection of pets and livestock in a victim protective order (VPO). 15 Title 22 O.S. Section 60.2 (E) provides, “The person seeking a protective order may further request the exclusive care, pos session, or control of any animal owned, possessed, leased, kept, or held by either the petitioner,

Removing or killing family animals to take away the survivor’s source of emo tional support Forcing participation in animal sexual abuse Refusing to allow the survivor to spend money on the animals’ food or veterinary care Harming animals and saying, “Next time, it will be you.” Targeting animals of family/ friends who aid in the sur vivor’s escape Blaming the survivor or animals for the cruelty

kill the animals if the vic tim leaves or asserts any independence 12

This is particularly concerning in Oklahoma, given the percentage of the state’s population engaged in domestic violence and the effects that domestic violence has on children. Children exposed to domestic violence are three times more likely to be cruel to animals and more likely to become perpe trators of domestic abuse. 13 Studies show that 75% of domestic animal abuse occurs in front of children. 14

Statements or opinions expressed in the Oklahoma Bar Journal are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the Oklahoma Bar Association, its officers, Board of Governors, Board of Editors or staff.

MARCH 2024 | 21

THE OKLAHOMA BAR JOURNAL