More Help Needed For Domestic Abuse Animals
A charity is calling on people in West Yorkshire to foster pets at risk of harm because of abusive relationships. The Leeds Dog Trust says last year almost 70 dogs had to be taken because of domestic violence.
More and more pets across the region need to be rehomed because their owners are in an abusive relationship.
Almost 70 dogs were taken in by the Dogs Trust in Yorkshire last year because of domestic violence.
They say there's a strong link between domestic abuse and animal abuse.
Dianne Muskett is from the charity in Leeds, and says that 52% of the cases they helped in the last year saw the dog at the recieving end of the abuse.
"Perpetrators can use the dog as a means of control - they might threaten to harm the pet as well as doing any physical violence and use it as a means of controlling the person by saying I'll do this to the dog or by saying it'll get put to sleep".
The charity is looking for volunteers across Yorkshire to foster the animal until the owner is in a safer place.
"They get to look after a pet in their own home like it's their own dog. Every single placement is monitored by us so we'll go out and visit the dog regularly, and so they're supported throughout - we pay for all the vetinary things the dog needs so any equipemnt, all the dog food is paid for by Dogs Trust".
Rob* has been fostering dogs in our area for over two years.
"A dog is just like a young child - they're lost, bewildered, frightened and to be suddenely taken away from one environment, put in another and then left, is not the answer.
"The best bit is actually when the dog leaves your company and goes home - you've know that you've helped transform the dog from a stressed creature to a calm, relaxed dog".
He also says that social services and the police should be more aware of the campaign, so that the animals can be cared for in a home instead of going into kennels.
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*His name has been changed to protect his identity.