Domestic abuse victims seek homes for pets
A dog charity has seen a steep increase in the number of dogs being referred to its pet-fostering service so owners can flee from domestic abuse.
Figures released by Dogs Trust have shown an 85 per cent increase in dogs in Scotland being referred to its specialist pet fostering service, the Freedom Project.
The project supports people fleeing domestic abuse by providing temporary accommodation for their dogs.
From January to September this year, 89 dogs were referred to the Freedom Project, a sharp increase from the previous year, when only 48 were referred over the same period.
Pets are often abused and, in some cases, killed by the perpetrator of domestic abuse in order to control and coerce, the charity said.
Carlie, whose name has been changed to protect her anonymity and safety, is a victim who was supported by Dogs Trust's Freedom Project when she was escaping domestic abuse.
The charity fostered her dogs so she could seek safety.
She said: "I had to leave my home with my children as I was experiencing domestic abuse. I was offered temporary accommodation by the council, but they wouldn't accept my dogs, who we consider part of our family.
"The thought of giving them up was absolutely heart-breaking as the dogs had been the only constant in the children's lives.
"I heard about the Freedom Project from my support worker and within a few days we were making arrangements for them to go into foster (care) - the relief was amazing."