The landmark California legislation that directly addresses this scenario is Senate Bill 221 (SB 221), which officially took effect on January 1, 2026. [1, 2]
Sponsored by animal rights and victim advocacy groups, SB 221 expanded California’s legal definition of stalking to explicitly include threats made to a person's pet. The law was designed to close a dangerous loophole frequently used by abusers to terrorize, manipulate, and exert control over vulnerable individuals—including disabled individuals and service animal handlers—by weaponizing threats against the animals they rely on for safety and independent living. [1, 2, 3]
Family Code § 6320
Domestic Violence Protective Orders: Allows judges to include "companion animals" in domestic violence restraining orders (DVROs). Harming or threatening a pet is legally recognized as domestic violence.
Order orders the abuser to stay away; violation leads to arrest.
California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA)
Housing Protections: Reaffirmed by the California Civil Rights Department (CRD)in 2026, this ensures landlords cannot threaten eviction, charge pet fees, or discriminate against disabled tenants who rely on service animals or emotional support animals (ESAs).
Landlords can face heavy civil penalties and lawsuits.
If you or someone you know is facing immediate danger or intimidation involving an assistance animal, a report can be filed with local law enforcement under SB 221 or a housing discrimination complaint can be submitted directly through the California Civil Rights Department. [1, 2, 3]
Other California Laws Protecting Disabled Individuals and Their Animals
Beyond SB 221, California enforces several strict statutes to protect disabled individuals and their assistance animals from harassment, threats, and harm:
Statute / Regulation
What It Covers
Legal Consequences
Penal Code §§ 365.5 & 365.6
Interference & Harassment: Criminalizes intentionally interfering with, obstructing, or harassing a service dog or its handler.
Misdemeanor charge.
Penal Code § 600.5
Intentional Harm: Criminalizes the intentional injury or killing of a guide, signal, or service dog (including those currently in training programs).
Criminal charges and potential restitution fees.