A DOG charity has seen a steep increase in the number of dogs being referred to its pet-fostering service so that their owners can flee from domestic abuse.
Figures released by Dogs Trust have shown an 85% 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. Since the launch of the programme four years ago, it has fostered 153 dogs in Scotland.
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.
The study also found 97% of professionals working in the domestic abuse sector said that animals are often used as a means of controlling someone experiencing domestic abuse.
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 during such unsettled times at home; the dogs had always helped and supported them.
“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.”
The Freedom Project operates across the whole of Scotland, in 30 counties across England, and has recently been launched in Wales due to a demand for the service there.
As a result, the charity is appealing for more foster carers across the UK.
Sarah Petrov, Freedom Project regional manager at Dogs Trust, said: “Unfortunately, we are seeing an increase in demand for our service, so it’s more important than ever that we are there to support anyone experiencing domestic abuse who needs to flee to safety with their pet.
“We see first-hand the ways that perpetrators use dogs to coerce, control, physically harm and threaten within abusive relationships.
“As many refuges are unable to accept pets, survivors are understandably concerned about their dog’s safety when they need to escape; the Freedom Project offers them a vital lifeline.
“Whilst we are pleased to have been able to help so many people, there is still very much a need for our service, and We urgently need more foster carers across the UK so that we can continue this life-saving work.”
