Restraining order for Marshfield woman also protects dog

MARSHFIELD, Mass. (AP) - A Massachusetts judge has granted a restraining order to a Marshfield woman that also protects her dog.

It is believed to be the first time an animal has been covered under a domestic violence restraining order since Gov. Patrick signed an animal welfare bill into law in August allowing the practice.

Deni Michele Goldman, Marshfield's animal control officer, tells The Patriot Ledger that a week before Thanksgiving, a judge gave the 38-year-old woman's 6-year-old Labrador protection from a violent ex-boyfriend.

Goldman says the woman feared the man might try to take the dog and that he had abused it in the past.

The dog is living with a foster family while the woman and her 2-year-old son are staying at an out-of-state domestic violence shelter.

Cox Media Group