State Senator Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh (R-Yucaipa) announced today that Senate Bill 221 has passed the Senate floor with unanimous support, marking a major step toward closing a dangerous loophole in California’s stalking laws.
Currently, California law does not consider threats against a victim’s pet as part of the intimidation pattern required to convict someone of stalking. However, Senate Bill 221 aims to change that. The bill amends Penal Code Section 646.9 to align with the federal standard, clarifying that threatening to harm a person’s pet is a form of stalking and should be treated accordingly.
“Stalkers often use pets as a way to terrorize their victims, and California law has largely ignored this issue,” said Senator Ochoa Bogh. “With the introduction of SB 221, we aim to put an end to this. Threatening to harm an animal in order to control or intimidate someone is a form of psychological abuse and should have consequences.”
Stalking is a serious crime of control and intimidation that affects millions of Americans each year. According to the National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey, one in three women (31.2%) and one in six men (16.1%) in the U.S. have experienced stalking in their lifetime. Disturbingly, perpetrators frequently target victims’ pets as a means of instilling fear and emotional distress. A National Crime Victimization Survey found that four in ten stalkers threaten not only their victims but also their victims’ family members, friends, co-workers, or pets, with over 87,000 cases of threats against pets reported.
Animal advocates and victim support groups agree it’s time for a change.
“We are deeply grateful to Senator Ochoa Bogh for her unwavering dedication and for making SB 221 a top priority. In a time when violence is far too prevalent in our society, it is crucial that we take strong, proactive steps to prevent such crimes. We must ensure accountability for those who terrorize their stalking victims by threatening their pets,” said Judie Mancuso, Founder and President of Social Compassion in Legislation, sponsor of SB 221.
The bill has received widespread backing from law enforcement, victim advocates, and animal protection groups across the state.
SB 221 is now headed to the Assembly.