The California Senate has unanimously passed a bill aimed at closing a long-standing loophole in the state’s anti-stalking law—one that previously left pets unprotected from threats made by stalkers.
The move comes in response to decades of concern over how stalkers manipulate their victims by threatening or harming beloved animals. The issue gained attention following the 1990 passage of California’s first anti-stalking law, created after high-profile cases involving actress Teresa Saldana and the tragic murder of Rebecca Schaefer. However, that original law failed to address threats made toward pets and service animals.
The new legislation would amend the law to explicitly include threats to pets, service animals, and even horses—an effort to acknowledge the emotional and familial role animals play in victims’ lives. The bill now moves to the California Assembly for further consideration.
On The Roggin Report, local contributors weighed in on the legislation.
“I think it’s ludicrous that they haven’t been offered the same protection until now,” said Tammy Bleck, owner of Sherlock Holmes Watch. “They’re family members—there’s no question about it—and to manipulate victims by targeting their pets is terrifying and unjust.”
Chauncey Thompson, CEO of Barton CPA, agreed. “I’m shocked we’re just now finding out about this. Here in California, you’d expect this to have been law years ago. People treat their pets like family—they’re in our homes, our beds, even at restaurants.”
Referencing pop culture, the show also pointed out how stories like Fatal Attraction—where a pet rabbit is killed—mirror real-life crimes that were once legally unaddressed.
Both contributors voiced strong support for the bill and tougher punishments for stalkers who harm animals. “There’s a special place in hell for people who do things like that,” Bleck said.
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By: Fred Roggin
June 4, 2025
