Protection for pets
Pets are considered part of the family in many American households. In homes where there is violence, pets are often threatened or injured by the violent partner, according to Kootenai Humane Society and Safe Haven for Pets volunteer Jamie Smith.
“Recent surveys of women entering shelters for protection from domestic violence indicate that nearly half report that their pet had been threatened, injured or killed by their partner,” Smith says.
“Often victims delay leaving their homes because they fear their family pet will be harmed after they leave.”
Smith, a five-year Kootenai Humane Society volunteer, says she was “born to love animals.” She fondly remembers bringing home a variety of pets when she was growing up and currently has dogs, cats, rabbits, chickens and other birds at her Dalton Gardens home.
Smith also has a variety of special-needs cats, including one that is blind, one that is deaf, and one that is an amputee. And then there is Max, the cat, who has amnesia.
“I guess I like cats because they are so deep and hard to figure out,” says Smith.
Safe Haven for Pets provides temporary foster care for animals of victims that are fleeing domestic violence. It is a partnership between the Kootenai Humane Society and the Women’s Center Inc.
“It has taken us a couple of years to get the program going but we feel it alleviates a barrier for victims that are fleeing violence because they are able to bring their pets with them.”
Animal cruelty is a crime in all 50 states and a felony under certain circumstances. But according to Kootenai Humane Society literature, “it does not happen in a vacuum.”
It is a clear signal that the family is suffering from violence and that means that a youth may someday turn aggressive and violent toward humans.
Children who witness violence are more apt to commit violence and they often start with animal abuse.
“Intentional animal cruelty or abuse is one link in the chain of family violence,” says Smith. “It can indicate that an individual has already experienced violence or that the individual may be predisposed to committing other crimes like vandalism, arson and domestic violence.
Why do batterers threaten, harm, injure or kill animals? Often it is to demonstrate and confirm power and control over the family, and to isolate the victim and children. It can also teach submission and/or force the family to keep the violence a secret.
In order to raise the necessary money to support Safe Haven for Pets, the Kootenai Humane Society has organized the Artistic Garden Party.
The fundraiser features a variety or artists and crafters and will be held today from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Coeur d’Alene Jewett House, 1501 E. Lakeshore Drive. Admission is $3.
A gourmet lunch will be served and live music will be performed by Casey Wilkinson. Bedding plants, donated by Aspen Nursery, also will be for sale.
The Kootenai Humane Society gives classroom presentations because it is important to teach children to have empathy and compassion for animals.
“It is proven that children who have empathy and compassion for animals have a higher self-esteem,” Smith says.
The Safe Haven for Pets program plans to educate community agencies and law enforcement officers regarding the connection between animal cruelty and violence in society.
“It is important to cross-train because in many cases the animal control officer has access to the home first,” Smith says. “If animals are being mistreated in the home, then the people living in the home are not safe. It is important to know the signs.”