The relationship between domestic violence and animal abuse
FOX 26 reporter Randy Wallace has more details about the relationship.
Domestic violence and pet abuse often occur together, with pets being abused in up to 50% of cases where domestic violence is present. Many domestic violence survivors delay leaving abusive situations because of concerns for the safety of their pets. Houston lacks: Some domestic violence shelters can accommodate pets, but efforts are underway to address this gap.
HOUSTON – October is Domestic Violence Month, and the connection between that crime and pet neglect is more than just an unfortunate coincidence.
“We’re tired of being the county with the highest number of domestic violence homicides in Texas,” said Amy Smith of the Harris County Domestic Violence Coordinating Council.
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“Given the prevalence of domestic violence and the prevalence of animal abuse, especially here in Harris County, it’s scary to think how many people and animals are suffering,” said Lisa Tynan, marketing special events specialist. spoke.
Research shows that in homes where domestic violence occurs, pets are abused in up to 50% of cases.
“About a third of them said their pet delayed their departure,” Tynan said.
“25 to 40 percent of abused pet owners are unable to leave the situation because they have nowhere for their pet to go or fear retribution from themselves or their pet,” says Houston Pet Set. Co-President Tena Lundquist Faust said.
Unfortunately, there is a lack of domestic violence shelters in Houston that accept pets.
“Our partners at the Houston Regional Women’s Center will soon break ground on a facility with housing where people and pets can be kept together,” Tynan said.
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Texas allows domestic violence victims to include pets in protection orders.
“This prevents the abuser from contacting them and threatening them, and that extends to their pets, whether they’re with them or not,” Tynan said. “So they couldn’t sneak into the house and abuse the pet. That would be a violation of the protection order.”
“If you have a small teacup Chihuahua and you can hide it in your bag, that’s another question,” Lundquist-Fausse says. “It’s different if you have two or three dogs than if you have a dog or cat.”
Friends and family of domestic violence victims should intervene in any way they can to prevent someone from being killed or harmed simply because they are leaving behind a beloved pet.
“Help is out there. Keep looking for that help,” Lundquist-Faust said. “We at Houston Petset will do everything we can to connect someone to resources.”
If you need help, call the Houston Area Women’s Center or the National Domestic Violence Hotline.
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FOX 26 Reporter Randy Wallace has more after speaking with the Harris County Domestic Violence Coordinating Council and Houston Petset.
