GRAND ISLAND, Neb. (KSNB) - Senator Carol Blood is sponsoring a bill that would help protect pets whose owners are in domestic violence situations.

The ASPCA reports as many as 25% of domestic violence survivors have returned to an abusive partner out of concern for a pet, and LB 11 would include provisions for pets in protection orders.

Nebraska is one of only a few states that don’t have the protection in place for man’s best friends. Associate Director of Willow Rising Teshawna Sawyer testified before the judiciary committee on behalf of LB 11, and she told Local4 News pets can be used as a vehicle for abuse.

“Perpetrators in domestic violence use people’s pets as a way of controlling and manipulation,” Sawyer said. “They know that that is something they care about and so they will harm that pet in front of them generally, to show the control that they have.”

Voice for Companion Animals already takes in pets so their owners can get out of abusive situations, its director Robyn Mays said she is happy to see the legislation.

“Having them protected is important, this is the first, usually abuse starts with the pet, and works its way to other members of the family, so protecting them,” Mays said. “When the bill was introduced we were very excited to see that we hope it makes it to the floor and gets passed.”

The Central Nebraska Humane Society will also board pets in the case of domestic violence, but that is dependent on available space.