One charity has issued an urgent appeal for dog lovers to help survivors of domestic abuse in Liverpool and surrounding areas.
Abused Pet Refuge, a charity that helps animals who live in domestic abuse households, say it currently has a lack of homes in which they can send dogs to if it is ever needed across the country including places like Liverpool and Manchester.
As a result, they are asking for more and more potential fosters and assistances to reach out to them.
Gavin, a spokesperson for the charity, told TeamDogs : ““These animals are often abused themselves, or the abuser threatens them as a means of controlling the human victim.
“So many people delay leaving a violent partner because they can’t take their animals with them.
"Some people never leave or if they’ve left an animal behind, will return. Their concerns are real - often animals left behind are used as punishment for the human victim leaving.”
The charity is working towards making it easier for not only victims to leave the household but so the victim knows their dog is being rehomed safely.
Gavin explained that without foster carers in Liverpool, they can’t provide a secure home for pets.
Although there are some charities that allow pets to stay with domestic abuse survivors, the number remains limited.
He added: “Many thousands of people are victims of domestic abuse every year. Many of them have pets. There is always a need for more foster carers. There are plenty of other ways people can help too.”
Placements for the pets are temporary as the companies whole ethos is based around that the human survivor will one day be reunited with their loving pets.
Gavin says some of the animals he has saw affected include 'dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, tortoises, reptiles, fish, horses, any animal that someone loves can be a victim.'
He said: “Anything from being microwaved, tortured, drowned, hung in public, body parts sent to the human victim in the post.
“The levels of violence shown by members of the victims own family is truly astonishing.”
If you think you could lend a helping hand to the charity in any way, they urge you to reach out and contact them.
