Pet Refuge is urgently seeking help for victims of family violence. With one of the highest family violence rates in the world, many women feel trapped and delay leaving out of fear for their pets – as many as 53 percent. Pet Refuge provides temporary shelter for pets which allows owners to escape abuse.
But the charity is at maximum capacity, with an overwhelming need for a temporary pet shelter in the last five months. It needs funds now to ensure it can keep helping pets and their families.
A donation of just $25 can help provide a safe bed, transport, veterinary healthcare and exercise or rehabilitation for pets.
In 2018 a Women’s Refuge survey found that 22 percent of children witnessed pet abuse, and 23 percent of women had an animal killed by their partner. A total of 73 percent surveyed said they would have found it easier to leave if there was a shelter offering temporary accommodation for their pets.
“For many people, pets are family. For victims of domestic violence, they provide real solace. Leaving them behind with an abusive partner just isn’t an option. We hope that if victims know their pets will be well looked after while they escape, it will remove a barrier to them leaving,” said Julie Chapman, Founder of KidsCan and Pet Refuge.
To support Pet Refuge and the urgent appeal, follow the link to www.petrefuge25.org.nz.
