This is promising news! For the first time in NYC, domestic violence victims are allowed to bring their beloved pets to a shelter with them. The Urban Resource Institute (URI) allows survivors to have their pets accompany them to the shelter which can save the life of both the human and the animal as many people don’t leave violent situations because they can’t take their pets. Also, many pets are left in violent situations and are forced to fend for themselves, often not successfully. So this is a major step in providing protection and safety.
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It states on the URI website: Today, national data show that more than 40% of domestic violence victims stay in abusive situations out of fear of what would happen if they left their pets behind. Plus, more than 70% of pet owners who enter shelter report that the abuser has threatened, injured or killed family pets.(*) Yet in New York City—the largest provider of domestic violence services in the country with more than 50 shelters—not one shelter currently allows pets in residence, until now.
And for women who don’t feel safe going out in public after escaping violent situations, URI is planning on building dog run in their facility so their pets can exercise. They also plan on building three more shelters in the NYC area. And as for educational outreach, URI intends to let people know that New York is one of 25 states that allows pets to be placed under protective orders of protection. Click here to learn more about this inspiring place and click here to become a foster family (in the NYC area) for pets in crisis. What do you think about URI?
