HB3294 Summary

• Expands the definition of "abuse" in domestic violence law to include inflicting fear of cruel treatment, aggravated cruelty, torture, or sexual conduct involving a domestic animal when used as coercion, control, punishment, intimidation, or revenge against a family member or unmarried couple with a close bond to the animal.

• Defines "domestic animal" as a dog, cat, or other domesticated household pet, excluding animals raised for agricultural or commercial purposes.

• Adds provisions to both the Code of Criminal Procedure and the Illinois Domestic Violence Act of 1986 to recognize animal abuse as a form of domestic violence.

• Allows courts to grant petitioners exclusive care, custody, or control of domestic animals and to prohibit respondents from harming, concealing, or disposing of such animals in domestic violence protection orders.