"In the last 100 years, every American serial killer started by abusing animals." This harrowing statement comes from The Links Group, an association of organisations in the fields of human and animal welfare. I mention it because Dogs Trust, part of that group, is highlighting the link between animal abuse and domestic violence this Christmas.

According to a survey of calls answered by the Domestic Violence Helpline, (0808 2000 247) run by Refuge and Women’s Aid, on average 9 pets a week are reported as abused by perpetrators of domestic violence in the UK.

Four major veterinary schools in the UK now provide students with training in spotting signs of domestic violence in both pets and their owners.

Dogs Trust Veterinary Director, Chris Laurence, says more vets are being made aware of the link:

“At the moment only undergraduates receive this training as part of their course. However a national protocol for the whole profession, for vets either in training or practising, is being produced by the Links Group in consultation with the British Veterinary Association. We hope this will have a real impact on uncovering cases of domestic violence perhaps unspotted elsewhere.”

If a vet examining an injured pet were to spots signs of abuse they are encouraged to report their suspicions to two parties: the RSPCA for the animal abuse and social services for suspected domestic violence cases. For safety reasons the vet will not be named as the source of information.

NSPCC research shows that men who are violent to women may threaten to harm or actually kill a beloved pet in order to intimidate their partner, thereby using them to maintain power and control.

Most refuges and temporary accommodation facilities are unable to allow pets, meaning many victims remain in a violent domestic situation for fear of what might happen to their pet if they flee without it. This is especially the case if it means having to separate children from their beloved family pet.

In 2004 Dogs Trust launched the Freedom Project to help victims of domestic violence flee their situation by offering free temporary foster care of their dog.

Submitted by: Steve O'Malley      

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jmewett2
We foster for the links project and provide an emergency placement service. we find this very rewarding and worthy cause to help. The sasitics for domestic abuse and the link to pets are attonishing. To all helping with this project keep up the good work, we pray that this season of goodwill will not cause an influx of pets needing foster care.

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