plained - Refuge4Pets

In this research, 88%1 of households involved in domestic abuse, animals were also abused by the perpetrator In over 1 in 10 (12%)2 of households researched, animals were brutally killed by perpetrators to punish, frighten and entrap Where a pet was given as a ‘gift’, abuse against the animal occurred in 94%3 of these households Refuge4Pets, a domestic abuse charity based in Devon & Cornwall, urges more foster carers to sign up to help people and their pets fleeing domestic abuse 16 days of action against gender-based violence begins tomorrow (25th November)6

Almost nine in 101 households who experienced domestic abuse have said that animals were also abused by the perpetrators, according to shocking new research carried out by Refuge4Pets, a pet fostering service across Devon and Cornwall for victims/survivors of domestic abuse.

The research surveyed 107 victim-survivors of domestic abuse and interviewed victim-survivors across the country, to better understand the link between domestic abuse and animal abuse.

Worryingly, the research – carried out by Dr Mary Wakeham, who founded Refuge4Pets - showed that in one in ten (12%)2 of households where domestic abuse was present, the animal - and often multiple animals - had been killed. Furthermore, in 94%3 of households where an animal was given as a ‘gift’, the animals were then abused and, in some cases, killed by the perpetrator - demonstrating that pets are used as tools by perpetrators of domestic abuse to control and coerce. In addition to the physical abuse that pets may suffer, Dogs Trust- who run the Freedom Project which offers vital support for dog owners escaping from domestic abuse - found that 97%4 of professionals - working in the domestic abuse sector also said that animals are often used as a means of controlling someone experiencing domestic abuse.

Refuge4Pets provides foster homes for pets across Devon and Cornwall enabling survivors to access safe accommodation without the fear of what may happen to their pet if left behind. As many refuges are unable to accept pets, this important service gives survivors the opportunity to escape abuse, safe in the knowledge that their pets will also be safe and well cared for. Since its inception in August 2017, the charity has enabled 213 individuals/families to escape domestic abuse by fostering 372 animals – predominantly cats and dogs but horses, snakes, rabbits, cats, birds and more have been supported by the vital service. The charity, which runs across Cornwall and Devon has almost 150 volunteer foster carers who make this service to victim-survivors possible by providing amazing temporary foster homes.

Dr Mary Wakeham who runs Refuge4Pets said:

“Since the start of the pandemic we have seen a real increase in the severity of abuse that families have been subjected to by the perpetrator, and we are dealing with situations where we need to act quickly to get animals to safety.

“The pandemic and housing crisis in the South West is making it even more difficult for victim-survivors to find safe accommodation where they can be reunited with their much-loved animals. This means that animals are staying in foster care for longer.

“We foster all animals from hamsters to horses, but we need more donations and volunteer foster carers to keep on running.” Ann, a victim/survivor of domestic abuse spoke of her experience5: “I had three very big fish tanks with some fish in that I had nurtured since they were tiny little fish. My perpetrator used to threaten them, he used to throw things in there and pull the fish out.

“I can’t even remember what it was, it was something so stupid, it was like I had got home late and the dinner wasn’t ready, and he took the bleach and poured it into the water. I just had to sit there and basically watch them die, because that was what happened, it was awful.” Refuge4Pets are seeking more volunteer foster carers and donations to continue running their lifesaving service. If you or someone you know needs help, please email info@refuge4pets.org.uk or call 0300 4000 121.