There is a well-documented connection between the abuse of animals and abuse toward humans.
“Researchers have found that between 71% and 83% of women entering domestic violence shelters reported that their partners also abused or killed the family pet. And another study found that in families under supervision for physical abuse of their children, pet abuse was concurrent in 88% of the families” (DeViney, Dickert, & Lockwood, 1983; cited in The Humane Society of the United States).
Beginning in 2015, the Saskatchewan SPCA has been working to find out if concern for the safety of companion animals and livestock a barrier to individuals leaving situations of interpersonal violence and abuse in Saskatchewan and what networks can assist in such situations.
PATHS assisted in conducting this research, along with STOPS to Violence and the Community Research Unit at the U of R. Read/download the full report titled The Link: Interpersonal Violence and Abuse and Animal Safekeeping (2016) here or read the recommendations.
Work on the recommendations from this report is ongoing, including work to strengthen networks for animal safekeeping in Saskatchewan.
Vist the SPCA website to find out how you can protect your animals, what services are available, and how you can report a suspected case of animal abuse.
The Saskatchewan SPCA is hosting a conference focusing on the link between animal abuse and interpersonal violence, Sept. 21-22, 2017 in Regina. More details on their website.
