The district is poised to adopt some of the strongest laws to protect animals in the country. In the process the city aims to spare children from abuse as well.

When animal abuse investigators found the dog named "Precious", she was in bad shape.

"Precious was found in a local home where she was being starved she was very emaciated very malnourished," said Animal Abuse Investigator Scott Giacoppo.

Giacoppo has spent two decades rescuing pets from abusers. He says in his experience, anyone who would hurt an animal is likely to harm another human.

"If there's child abuse going in a house more likely than not there is animal abuse going on as well."

The D.C. City council just gave preliminary approval to a spate of new animal welfare laws. They are some of the strongest in the country.

The new laws are the result of four years of research by law students at George Washington University.

"I think the city will now have a model law for other jurisdiction who are interested in animal welfare to copy," said D.C. City Council member Mary Cheh.

The proposals include requiring Humane Society Investigators to inform officials with human services if a child or another vulnerable individual is in the home they are checking out. The same goes for those investigating domestic abuse.

The new rules also take aim at dog fighting. Since betting usually is the motivation for the bloody contests, the new laws would make attending a dog fight a felony. At the moment, it is just a misdemeanor.

"I think they are getting easy way out right now and I think they should be treated as a felon," said Richard Ploff, Animal Rights Supporter.

The proposals appear likely to become law since the first time they came up for a vote, the city council approved them unanimously.