For the first time a Massachusetts judge has issued a restraining order on behalf of a dog. The 6 year old Labrador mix named Panzer is the first dog to be the subject of a restraining order since Governor Patrick signed a new animal welfare bill into law. The new law created a spay and neutering program, training for animal control officers and created protections for pets in domestic violence situations.
In this case a Plymouth District Court Judge issued the restraining order forbidding the boyfriend of a 38 year old Marshfield woman from going near the dog. The woman had stated that the man had previously abused the dog and the woman feared that the he would take the dog. Currently the woman is living in battered woman’s shelter and the dog is in foster care, where she gets daily updates.
Under the terms of the new law a District Court Judge may decide the possession of a pet to one party while forbidding someone accused with a crime from abusing, threatening or taking a pet. Failure to comply with the order could result in criminal penalties.
Massachusetts Criminal Attorney Patrick Donovan is a criminal defense attorney in Boston that has appeared in over fifty criminal courts throughout Massachusetts. Attorney Donovan has successfully represented people charged with felony and misdemeanor crimes. Attorney Donovan has successfully represented people in restraining order hearings. Attorney Donovan is one of the best criminal lawyers. If you or someone you know has been charged with a Massachusetts crime contact attorney Donovan today.
