Springhaven Inc. and Friends of Hardin County Animal Shelter are announcing a new partnership to provide rescue resources for domestic violence survivors faced with potentially leaving a pet behind when escaping an abusive environment.
“We are excited to partner with FOHCAS in hopes that no survivors in the Lincoln Trail Development District are ever deterred from leaving a violent situation for fear that their pets will be harmed,” said Springhaven Domestic Violence Program Executive Director Georgia Hensley. “It’s our goal that all survivors are able to find safe places for their pet families.”
Springhaven says research shows domestic abuse is often extended to all occupants of a home including pets, and when domestic violence victims seek an escape from their abusers they are faced with finding shelter for themselves as well as children and pets, which is complicated by the fact that many shelters do not accept animals.
The new partnership “will engage community resources to provide an option for domestic violence survivors with pets.”
FOHCAS Board Chair Myra Covault says the partnership is a natural one.
“Their mission aligns so much with ours in that we try to give a voice to the voiceless,” Covault said. “Together, we want to do everything possible to ensure that domestic violence victims have a chance to flee horrible situations with their pets and not ever have to make a decision of staying or leaving them behind.”
The goal is to make the Springhaven shelter a pet-friendly facility. While cats are currently accepted, it will take some time before dogs can be accepted, so the organizations are utilizing a community of foster homes and community partners.
