Representative Jon Riki Karamatsu
House Journal Written Remarks
May 5, 2009 – Day 59
Conf. Comm. Rep. No. 43
H.B. No. 1512, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, C.D. 1
Relating to Temporary Restraining Orders
I rise in support of House Bill 1512, House Draft 1, Senate Draft 1, Conference Draft 1, relating to temporary restraining orders.
Unfortunately, there are situations where animals are victims during a domestic dispute. This bill allows the court to issue a temporary restraining order enjoining or restraining both of the parties from taking, concealing, removing, threatening, physically abusing, or otherwise disposing of any animal identified to the court as belonging to a household, until further order of the court. In this draft of the bill, we decided to require both parties to be covered by the temporary restraining order to preclude the possibility that one party might misuse the temporary restraining order process with the intent of gaining control over and abusing an animal. We also deleted references and definitions of “pet animal” and “equine animal” that was in previous drafts to allow the court greater discretion in granting protection to animals. It is our hope that this measure will prevent the abuse of animals in the middle of domestic disputes.
JON RIKI KARAMATSU 