Judge grants restraining order for tiny abused dog
Bebe, a 5-year-old bichon frise, a fluffy little white dog, was given an order of protection after a man was accused of beating him.
Ref. https://edition.cnn.com/2006/LAW/09/01/dog....r.ap/index.html
This definitely sets a precedent. Although I am thoroughly surprised that the dog was simply not taking the dog away from the owner. Normally, in most states, the abuse animal is taken away and the owner is summoned to court on animal cruelty charges. No order of protection is needed because the dog is no longer under the care of the owner.