Ruislip & Eastcote & Northwood Gazette
Animal Rescue with Marion Garnett
Dedicated animal expert Marion Garnett, founder of the Ealing Animal Charities Fair, continues her column
DOMESTIC violence is more prevalent than many people think. Women’s Aid calculate that between 2020-21, there were 28,370 referrals to refuge services and 225,534 referrals to community-based services. For some experiencing domestic violence, pets can be a major reason why they don’t leave the abusive situation. They are fearful of what may happen to their animal if left behind and many refuges don’t accept pets.
Almost 9 in 10 professionals working in the domestic abuse sector have seen cases where a pet has been abused.
In addition to the physical abuse that pets may suffer, animals are often used as a means of controlling someone experiencing abuse. For example, by threatening to give away a pet.
In order to address these issues, Dogs Trust has, for sixteen years, operated the Freedom Project. This is a dog fostering service for people fleeing domestic abuse.
The Freedom Project provides free and confidential temporary care for dogs. This enables their owners to access a refuge without the fear of what may happen to their dog if left behind. Dogs within the project are cared for in the home of a volunteer foster carer until their owners can be safely reunited with them.
It’s only possible to run the Freedom Project with the support of foster carers. And more are needed. Foster placements last for up to 6 months and all the dog’s expenses are covered by Dogs Trust. If you want to know more about becoming a Freedom Project foster carer visit dogstrustfreedomproject.org.uk.
If you would like a chat about referring your dog to the Freedom Project call 0800 298 9199.
The Freedom Project is part of the Links Pet Fostering Group (thelinksgroup.org.uk) which is a coalition of specialist domestic abuse pet fostering services. This group includes Cats Protection (cats.org.uk) who run the Paws Protect scheme which provides a fostering service for those with cats who are fleeing domestic abuse.
Now to other Dogs Trust news. First, let’s meet Freddie, a Jack Russell terrier cross. Although he has his quirks, Dogs Trust say he would make a lovely companion. See details at dogstrust.org.uk if you are interested in homing Freddie.