PITTSBURGH, Pennsylvania — Tibbott & Richardson, a premier family law firm known for its strategic communication and client advocacy, proudly announces a groundbreaking victory for their client, a victim of domestic violence, and his beloved companion animals. On February 11, 2025, the firm successfully obtained Indiana County’s first court order, including pets, in a Protection from Abuse (PFA) order under Pennsylvania’s newly enacted law.
The law, which took effect on January 1, 2025, expanded the scope of PFAs to include companion animals, allowing victims to protect their pets from threats, harm, or displacement by abusers. Tibbott & Richardson’s recent case involved safeguarding a client’s four dogs, shielding them from the risk of being harmed, given away, or even surrendered to a shelter. The court’s decision forbids the abuser from taking any action against the dogs, with violations now enforceable by arrest.
“‘I’m going to do something to your dogs. I’m going to hurt them. I’m going to give them away.’ These are the threats abusers make against their victims and the pets they love,” explains Beth Tibbott, Family Law Attorney and Co-Founding Partner of Tibbott & Richardson. “According to the court order, the abuser in our case is actually not allowed to do that, or she would get arrested. So we’re happy. But it was the first one in Indiana County, and I’m looking forward to doing more.”
“We’re absolutely thrilled to have secured this outcome for our client and his pets,” added Dana Richardson, Family Law Attorney and Co-Founding Partner of Tibbott & Richardson. “The ability to include animals in PFAs is significant because abusers often threaten or harm pets to exert control. By extending legal protections to pets, we’re protecting the animals and offering emotional and practical support to survivors during a traumatic time.”
This victory illustrates Tibbott & Richardson’s ongoing commitment to advocating for meaningful change in family law. The firm previously voiced strong support for the passage of this state law, recognizing the critical need for such protections to address the intersection of animal welfare and domestic violence.
The inclusion of pets in PFAs aligns with the growing recognition of their role as family members and the devastating impact abuse can have on their well-being. Tibbott & Richardson hopes this legal triumph inspires other victims in Indiana County and beyond to seek similar protections for their pets.
“This is just the beginning,” Tibbott added. “We look forward to continuing this important work so that no one—human or animal—has to live in fear.”
For those seeking legal guidance or additional information about protecting companion animals in domestic violence situations, Tibbott & Richardson Family Law Firm remains a steadfast advocate and resource. Discover more at their website: https://www.tibbottrichardson.com/.
About Tibbott & Richardson Attorneys at Law
Tibbott & Richardson is a premier family law firm dedicated to providing sophisticated legal services.
Our Vision is to be powerful advocates for our exclusive clientele, using strategic communication to manage legal intricacies and turning challenges into opportunities for growth and success.
Our Mission is to change the way law is practiced. We advocate by committing to client education, transparent communication, and strategic planning. We empower our clients to move forward as active participants in creating their own futures.
We are willing to fight to help you achieve freedom and peace. A freedom that is not worth fighting for is not a freedom worth having. We know that you are going through one of the hardest times in your life. We understand that you are dealing with some heavy emotions like fear, embarrassment, betrayal, hurt, anger, and frustration. Sometimes, you need someone to believe in you until you can believe in yourself.
For the second year in a row, Tibbott & Richardson has been named as one of the fastest-growing law firms in the country on the acclaimed Inc. 5000 list of America’s most successful privately held companies. WHY? Because we believe you deserve freedom and peace and we are willing to fight to help you get it.
Freedom & Peace are the most important things in life. You cannot be free until you realize that your life is in your hands. You are in control. Until you are free in your own mind, you cannot fulfill your purpose and you cannot serve others well. Until you have freedom, you cannot be peaceful. Everyone deserves a safe place where they can feel peace. You have to make that peace for yourself and your family, and you have to fight to keep it if a fight is what it takes.
