DE SB70

Expands the definition of "abuse" in protection from abuse proceedings to include acts against companion animals or service animals, such as inflicting physical injury, engaging in cruelty, or alarming conduct directed at the animal

Defines acts used to coerce, control, punish, or intimidate a person through harm or threats to their companion animal as a form of abuse

Authorizes courts to grant petitioners exclusive care, custody, or control of companion animals in protection from abuse orders and prohibit respondents from approaching, harming, or disposing of the animal

Defines "companion animal" as animals kept primarily for companionship, excluding working animals, service animals, and livestock kept as income sources

Clarifies that any subsequent property division order from family court proceedings supersedes companion animal provisions in a protection from abuse order