Animal Abuse & Domestic Abuse

Research indicates when animals in a home are abused or neglected, it is often a warning sign that others in the household may be at risk. Moreover, people who are being harmed by their partner might also be hesitant to leave if there is not a safe place for their pets to go as well.

Why Do Abusive People Harm Animals? 

  • To demonstrate their power and willingness to do harm
  • To reinforce submission by communicating an implied threat (“you could be next...”)
  • To create and perpetuate an environment of fear and unpredictability
  • To discourage their partner from leaving or coerce them to return
  • To punish their partner for leaving or showing independence

Thinking About Pets...Steps to Take if You or Someone You Care About is Considering Leaving a Person Who is Causing Harm

  • If possible, find or obtain a license or other paperwork that proves pet ownership and documents any relevant health information (such as vaccinations or procedures to prevent pregnancies).  
  • Create a plan to temporarily shelter pets with a veterinarian, family member, trusted friend, or local animal shelter.  A domestic abuse program or some of the resources listed below might be able to help you locate a person or place that shelters pets.
  • Vaccinate pets against rabies and be sure they have any other shots or medical procedures they might need for temporary shelter.
  • Include pets in any safety plan that you create.  
  • If possible, keep a small supply of the pet’s preferred food and any necessary medication with a trusted friend or family member.

Note that these are just suggestions.  If you don’t have access to money for any of the things listed above, it’s okay.  Your local domestic abuse program or vet might be able to help you figure it all out.

As with everything else, if you are supporting someone who is considering leaving an abusive partner, be sure to ask them what would be helpful before taking any of the steps noted above.  If the person is interested in assistance and if you are able, you might also ask if they need help paying for a license, vaccines, or pet food.

Resources

Resources for pets are constantly changing and often depend on geographic region. Below is a list of suggested resources to call and ask about options. In addition, local Humane Societies can be a helpful resource. For more information, contact your local domestic abuse program. 

Baypath Humane Society of Hopkinton

508-435-6938

Broken Tail Rescue

774-214-0535.
info@brokentailrescue.org

MetroWest Humane Society

 metrowesthumanesociety.org

MSPCA-Angell

Safe Pet program
617-522-7400
www.mspca.org/animal_protection/pets-and-violence/

MSPCA at Nevins Farm (Methuen) - Adoption Only

 978-687-7453

North East Animal Shelter (Salem) - Foster Care Available

 978-475-9888
www.northeastanimalshelter.org

Safe Havens for Pets –

https://safehavensforpets.org/#all-safehavens

For more information about resources in your area, contact your local domestic abuse program. If you are unsure where to reach out, you can call SafeLink at 877-785-2020 or CLICK HERE

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