A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT strengthening domestic violence protective orders to provide for the protection of pets.
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1.  G.S. 50B‑3(a) is amended by adding the following new subdivisions to read:
"(a)	If the court, including magistrates as authorized under G.S. 50B‑2(c1), finds that an act of domestic violence has occurred, the court shall grant a protective order restraining the defendant from further acts of domestic violence. A protective order may include any of the following types of relief:
…
(14)	Provide for the care, custody, and control of any animal owned, possessed, kept, or held as a pet by either party or minor child residing in the household.
(15)	Direct a party to refrain from the cruel treatment or abuse of an animal owned, possessed, kept, or held as a pet."
SECTION 2.  This act is effective when it becomes law.