Pet Protection Program aids animal victims of domestic violence

Last month the Women’s Crisis Center of northern Kentucky held its first fundraiser for the facility’s Pet Protection Program, a system that provides temporary housing for pets of people who are trying to leave abusive situations. The event, dubbed “Paws for Hope ‘Doggie Derby’ Protecting Pets, Preserving Families” included a one-mile dog walk along with an appearance by “Mayor” Junior—the canine mayor of Rabbit Hash and program mascot. Participants also enjoyed pet portraits, a pet psychic, and demonstrations by Kimball County Search and Rescue and Maysville Police Department’s K-9 Unit.

“It went marvelously,” says executive director Kim Adams, noting that more than 50 people made it out for the event, which coincided with WCC’s 30th Anniversary. In fact, she says that the turnout was so positive that they are planning to make the Doggie Derby an annual event.

The Pet Protection Program, which is the only facility of its kind in the tri-state area, was established in 2000 when counselors at the WCC began seeing a need to develop a network of safe houses that would take in pets. Since then, the Pet Protection Program has helped more than 100 animals, from hamsters to horses, find shelter from abuse and neglect. Additionally, the program provides medical care, vaccinations, spay/neuter assistance, and health/wellness information for guardians.

The issue of pets affected by abusive situations is not one to take lightly—in fact, research shows that pets are often the first target of domestic violence. “People don’t realize the connection between animal abuse and domestic violence,” Adams points out. According to the American Animal Hospital Association, 57% of the women who enter shelters to escape abuse have had a pet killed by their abuser and in a study by the American Humane Association 1 in 4 women delayed seeking shelter due to concern for their pet’s welfare.

Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana all have laws geared toward companion animal abuse, but they only address penalties for offenses that have already been committed.

More attention has been drawn to the issue thanks to lawmakers in Maine who recently enacted the first legislation in our nation that allows judges to include pets in protection orders for spouses and partners leaving abusive relationships. Adams says that the new law has created quite a buzz for the Pet Protection Program, which is not only unique locally, but is also one of only about 150 similar programs nationwide. “I think [the Maine law] is excellent,” she says. “I’d like to see that in more states.”

For more information on the Pet Protection Program or the Women’s Crisis Center, visit www.WCCKY.org.

Butler County investigates animal killings

The discovery of two dead animals last month in Morgan Township has Butler County officials worried they might have a serial animal killer on their hands. A dog was found bound and skinned in Paddy’s Run Creek near Walnut Grove Dr. on April 3, and within a week, a cat was found with a fatal gunshot wound in the 4800 block of Cincinnati-Brookville Rd—the same general area of the township where two dogs were found dead and skinned in 2001. Authorities believe the cases may be related. County dog warden Kimberly Sterling told WKRC 12 News that investigators have received additional reports of more animals, including small animals and livestock, which may have fallen victim to the same cruelty. They are now narrowing down a list of five or six suspects. A $3,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the crime. Sterling is leading the investigation.
Anyone with information should call (513) 785-6542.