Animal owners will do just about anything to keep their beloved pets safe, even if that means putting themselves in danger. In fact, about 48% of abuse victims choose to stay with their abusers becuase they have no place to bring their pet, and their innocent animals would likely become victims of abuse if left behind.
To help give victims more freedom to leave an abusive situation, the Domestic Violence Intervention Program, which provides crisis intervention as well as support for victims of domestic abuse in Iowa, just announced that their shelter, Cooper’s House, would be adding boarding facilities to their property so that victims wouldn’t have to choose between abuse and their pets.
The new facility will have indoor kennels for dogs, a fenced in space for dogs to play, as well as an indoor space that can house 12 cats at a time.
While the new pet program will cost an estimated $30,000 per year, developmental director for DVIP Missie Forbes explained it was just another way they could help victims live a life free from fear.
On top of the incredible new space for animals, DVIP is training a Golden Retriever as a therapy dog for victims at Cooper’s House, and is hiring a part-time pet therapist for any animals that had also been abused.
Would you be able to leave your innocent pet behind in an abusive situation? Let us know what you think in the comments below, and please SHARE this incredible project with friends on Facebook.
[Featured image credit: wsj.com]
Domestic Violence Shelter Takes In Victims And Their Pets is an article from: LifeDaily