Animal Abuse and Domestic Violence

Mahatma Gandhi said, "The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated." If a person hurts an animal, he or she may harm a person as well.

Children living in violent homes are more likely to be victims of abuse. The animals that live in those homes are also more likely to be victims of abuse. There is an alarming connection between family violence and animal cruelty.

"One study found that animals were abused in 88 percent of the homes in which a child was abused. Another study found that 83 percent of families reported for animal abuse also had children at high risk of abuse or neglect." *www.aspca.org

The Battered Women's Shelter received a grant to assist victims of domestic violence in finding safe and temporary housing for their pets, while the survivor and her children are in shelter. There is a strong correlation between domestic violence and animal abuse. Often times, a victim may stay with their abuser out of fear that the abuser will hurt or kill the family pet. This grant will provide the agency with the financial means to connect with outside agencies and caring, compassionate community members willing to temporarily foster these pets. The pets and their owners will be reunited upon exiting shelter. We are still in the early stages of developing this program and are very excited for this new opportunity to help victims of domestic violence!

Here’s what you can do

• Plan ahead; think of a safe place to keep yourself and your pets from being a target.

• Keep your pets up to date on vaccinations and bring medical and veterinary records with you.

• Bring your pet's medication and an information sheet about your pet for the temporary caretaker.

• Be prepared to prove pet ownership by providing an animal license, proof of vaccinations and veterinary receipts.
  
  

Put together a check list of the above mentioned important documents and keep these documents in a place where you can get to them quickly if necessary.