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 As many pet owners reading this article will appreciate, their pets are extremely precious to them, and they would do anything for them. But it’s a sad fact of life that for many people who live in physically abusive relationships, they will not leave their pet for fear that the abuse will be transferred from them onto their pet. A recent report found that a shocking 8 out of 10 pet owners would stay with their abusive partner to remain with their pet.
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Mandy a care assistant from Yorkshire left with her dog Tara after 4 years of abuse where she was physically beaten. The abuse began when her ex-partner Sharon lost her job and took to drinking:
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“Losing a job is difficult, but Sharon found it particularly stressful in the current economic climate. She took to drinking and then took out her anger on me and Tara.
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“Initially I was scared and I didn’t have anywhere to go, I thought things would work temselves out. It was when she hurt Tara I think she realised how bad her drinking had become. She said she would try and stop drinking, but it continued and so did the abuse. I just had to leave – for my own protection and for Tara’s”
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Mandy, who has changed her name so can’t be identified, stayed in a women’s refuge who luckily allowed her to keep her dog with her.
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But for those less fortunate, dog rescue centres can help to provide short term foster care. Examples include the RSPCA’s PetRetreats.
Mandy’s partner Sharon has sought treatment and they are both communicating through the help of a counsellor.
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Pet News 
