On Tuesday, December 19, the Suffolk County Legislature unanimously passed the "Pet Safe" bill that was introduced by Legislator Jon Cooper (D-Huntington). The Pet Safe program is designed to protect the pets of domestic violence victims, as well as the victims themselves. It is the first program of its kind in the state at the county level.
The Pet Safe program will provide a safe haven for the pets of domestic violence victims who seek protection from their abusers in shelters. It will be administered by the non-profit Suffolk County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. The SPCA will provide temporary foster care -- up to 90 days -- for the pets of domestic abuse victims. Pets will be placed in animal shelters, kennels and private homes throughout the county. There will be no cost to Suffolk's taxpayers as the SPCA will use their existing funds and donations.
"Shelters do not allow abuse victims to enter with their pets, so victims are often reluctant to leave an abusive situation," Cooper stated. "Survey research has shown that up to 40% of residents in domestic violence shelters would have left their abusive relationships earlier if they had known of a place where their pets could be kept free from harm. The Pet Safe program will hopefully lead to reductions in the rates of both animal abuse and domestic violence."
Jo Anne Sanders, Executive Director of the Suffolk County Coalition Against Domestic Violence, says "Many victims of domestic violence stay in their homes because they fear their pets will be tortured or killed. By providing a safe haven for the pets of domestic abuse victims, they have the opportunity to flee to safety for themselves knowing their pets will not be harmed."
The passage of Cooper's bill comes at a time of year when it is most needed, according to Pamela Johnston, CEO of the Victims' Information Bureau Services. "It is very common for domestic violence to escalate during the holidays," Johnston stated.
