The Oregon senate has passed a bill that will allow judges to include pets in domestic violence restraining orders.

Senate Bill 616 clarifies the state’s Family Abuse Prevention Act to provide protection for pets of domestic abuse victims, which are often the target of violence themselves.

Senate Majority Leader Diane Rosenbaum (D-Portland), a chief sponsor of the bill, was quoted in the Salem News as saying the change might inspire some victims to seek help sooner.

"Cruelty to animals can be a serious part of the cycle of family violence," Rosenbaum said. "The fear that something could happen to a loved animal can be paralyzing and prevent a partner from leaving an abusive relationship."

If Oregon passes the law, it would join 17 other states that have enacted legislation to include pets in domestic violence protection orders. The bill