Fosterers needed

Kind-hearted doggy fosterers are desperately needed to help female pet owners fleeing domestic abuse. The Dogs Trust is appealing for more foster carers to come forward as its Freedom Project enters its 15th year.

Since 2004, the scheme – which operates in 29 counties across England and the whole of Scotland – has helped care for more than 1,400 dogs while their owners escape abusive relationships.

Many victims will not leave their homes without knowing their pet is safe.

Josie (not her real name), from Yorkshire, used the Freedom Project to get both herself and her dog Mia away from her violent partner.

She said: “I was experiencing domestic abuse and it got to the point where I knew I needed to leave.

“Mia was really frightened of him. When he was around and kicking at doors, she would hide under the table.

“He would hurt her to get at me. He even once tried to strangle Mia – she could quite easily have been killed.

“It was hard to find someone to look after her and I didn’t want my son to lose his dog on top of losing everything else. I just didn’t know what to do.” As she was preparing to leave her partner, Josie contacted Women’s Aid, which gave her information about the Freedom Project.

“If they’d not told me about it, I probably wouldn’t have left and would still be in that situation,” she said.

“I knew that she had been looked after. As soon as we were reunited, she fell straight back into family life with us.”

A spokeswoman for the Dog’s Trust said: “Many refuges are not in a position to accept pets so, in many cases, people experiencing domestic abuse are unable to leave their home until they know there is somewhere safe for their dog.

CONFIDENTIAL

“Dogs Trust offers a solution by providing free and confidential foster care, enabling the owner to access a refuge without the fear of what may happen to their dog if left behind.”

Research reveals that almost nine in 10 professionals working in the domestic abuse sector have seen cases where a pet has been harmed.

Almost half (49 per cent) are aware of cases where the pet has been killed.

To volunteer as a dog fosterer or find out more about the Freedom Project, visit moretodogstrust.org. uk/volunteer