FL S0288

Redefines "domestic violence" to include inflicting or attempting to inflict physical injury against an animal owned or possessed by a family or household member, or placing a family member in fear of harm to such an animal.

Authorizes courts to grant injunctions for protection against domestic violence that award the petitioner exclusive care, custody, or control of any animal owned by the petitioner, respondent, or a minor child, and can order the respondent to stay away from the animal or forbid disposal or harm to it.

Makes it a first-degree misdemeanor to willfully violate a domestic violence injunction by knowingly and intentionally injuring or threatening to injure any animal owned by the petitioner, respondent, or a minor child, punishable under s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.

Updates related statutes to incorporate animal protection provisions into the State Case Registry (s. 61.1825) and law enforcement arrest authority (s. 901.15).

Effective date: July 1, 2012.