Purina Sponsored Dog Park at Shelter for Victims of Domestic Violence

Manhattan now has a dog park in a domestic violence shelter due to a collaboration between the Urban Resource Institute (URI) and Purina PetCare. The park is available to people at the Urban Women’s Retreat (UWR). This shelter is part of the URIPALS program; URIPALS is an emergency shelter that welcomes victims of domestic violence and their pets.

Purina sponsored the dog park at the UWR. Purina also sponsored a dog park at URI’s Safe Haven shelter in 2014. In addition to the park at UWN, Purina is also providing dog food, cat food, treats, and cat litter to the shelter. Purina and URI are also working on welcome kits than can include carriers, gates, pet beds, bowls, scratching posts, leashes, and pet toys. Purina veterinarian, Dr. Kurt Venator said, “For most pet owners, the bond with their pet is incredibly strong, and for people in abusive relationships their pet can be an important source of comfort. Purina is very proud to support the Urban Resource Institute in its efforts to keep families and their pets together during this time of healing.”

URI President and CEO, Nathaniel Fields said, “Through the URIPALS program, we have witnessed first-hand how important it is for survivors to have their beloved pets by their side while they heal. From early on in the URIPALS program, Purina has been committed to supporting survivors of domestic violence and their pets. We know that the new dog park will play an integral part in helping our clients heal, and for that we are extremely grateful to Purina.”

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Bill Reintroduced to Protect Victims of Domestic Abuse and Their Pets in the United States

Katherine Clark, a Congresswoman in Massachusetts reported that approximately 25% of women will experience domestic violence in their life in the United States. Clark states, “This isolating experience is made even worse for those who fear for the safety of their pet. Most pet lovers, including me, consider their beloved dog or cat a part of their family. No one should have to make the choice between leaving an abusive situation and ensuring their pet’s safety. I am grateful for the partnerships we’ve formed across the aisle and between organizations working to end both domestic violence and animal abuse. Together, we crafted a bill that will help save lives.”

Clark reports that of that 33% of victims of domestic violence will remain with their abuser for a longer period of time out of concern for their pet(s) and 25% of victims return to an abusive situation out of concern for their pet(s). Currently, in the United States, only 3% of shelters for victims of domestic abuse can accommodate pets.

Congresswomen Katherine Clark (Massachusetts) and Ileana Ros-Lehitnen (Florida) have reintroduced a bill designed to protect victims of domestic violence and their pets. The Pet and Women Safety (PAWS) Act of 2015 will help increase the protection available for the pets of victims of domestic violence and start a federal grant program to help people find a safe place for their pet(s).

Congresswoman Ros-Lehitnen states, “We should continue to work for the day when victims of domestic violence will not be hindered in their decision to leave an abuser.” The Pet and Women Safety (PAWS) Act of 2015 has the support of many local and international organizations.
 

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