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Family pets are often the pawns in domestic violence
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Noah's Animal House shelters pets in danger.
Domestic violence is a heartbreaking reality for too many women and children, but did you know that it is also a threat to our cats and dogs?
The fourth International Conference on Family Violence reported that in 71% of the homes where domestic violence occurs, pets are abused too. Our cats and dogs become more than pets, they are companions and family members. Many times this bond is used against women when they try to leave an abusive relationship and seek help in a rescue shelter. The abuser uses the pet as a pawn to make the woman stay by threatening to hurt the animal or actually following through with the act. More than 20% of women postpone leaving a violent relationship out of fear for the safety of their cats and dogs.
Most women do not know where to turn for help when domestic violence puts the safety of their pets at risk.
When Staci Columbo heard these facts, she decided to take action. Columbo contacted the Shade Tree Shelter for homeless and abused women and children in Las Vegas, Nevada and together they built an adjoining shelter for cats and dogs. It is called Noah’s Animal House and it allows women to bring their pets with them and remain there until they find new living arrangements. Noah’s Animal House can accommodate 14 dogs and 15 cats.
All across the country new programs are starting for pets in danger because of domestic violence. In Anne Arundel County Maryland, a program called The Pet Support Program allows Animal Control to pick-up a pet at a “moments notice” if a woman calls for help. The agency then provides temporary housing for the animal.
The Humane Society has an online directory called Safe Havens for Animals. It lists organizations state-by-state that will help pets that are being threatened. For more information on how to protect your cat or dog against this issue and other types of disasters you may want to read the Disaster Preparedness articles by the Pet Care Examiner.
Picture courtesy of USA Today
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