Pet-friendly Domestic Violence Shelters Initiative in Texas
A new shelter in Houston will soon open that allows women escaping domestic abuse to bring their companion animals. The Houston Area Women’s Shelter recognizes the importance of opening its doors to dogs and cats belonging to their residents. Without safety guaranteed for their animal companions, many women would never leave their abuser, opting instead to remain in a violent home.
There is a proven link between domestic violence and animal abuse. Perpetrators of domestic violence have been known to threaten the welfare of the family dog or cat to control their victim. 71% of victims of domestic violence affirm that their abuser had threatened or physically abused their animals.
Because people under the control of a violent person will make the heartbreaking choice to remain in a house of horrors to protect their beloved animals, this has become a life-or-death decision.
The Purple Leash Project, Purina, and Red Rover are working to change domestic violence shelter policies to allow companion animals to enter. To date, 250 shelters across the US have updated their policies to become pet-friendly domestic violence shelters.
With the new Houston shelter opening its doors to companion animals, a petition has been launched urging all Texas domestic violence shelters to enable access for companion animals statewide.
CLICK THIS LINK TO SIGN THE PETITION