Following a significant rise in the severity of pet abuse linked to family violence, Pet Refuge is calling for changes to Ministry of Justice Family Violence application and affidavit forms, to ensure victim’s pets are recognised and protected through court orders.

In recent months, the charity has provided safety to pets who have suffered extreme abuse, including broken bones, strangulation, burns, and – in one particularly distressing example – a dog who was dragged behind a car resulting in life threatening injuries.

This rise in severity has led to an increase in the need for complex veterinary treatment, with Pet Refuge’s vet costs more than doubling over the past two months.

Julie Chapman, founder and CEO of Pet Refuge, says current application and affidavit forms fail to ask victims of family violence about whether their pets are being abused and used as a means of control. As a result their abuse is often missed and their safety left unaddressed.

“Like children, pets are often the silent victims of family violence, used to control and intimidate their families. When pets are deliberately targeted in acts of family violence – as we’re seeing more and more – it is important victims know they can seek protection for their pets to prevent further harm,” she says.

“Many victims don’t realise they can ask the courts to protect their pets under the Family Violence Act, under this legislation the ill-treatment of household pets is deemed as a form of psychological abuse. The current forms don’t prompt them – or their lawyers – to mention pets at risk. Adding a few clear questions could help expose abuse that’s too often overlooked.

“We are seeing an increase in the sadistic nature of deliberate, targeted cruelty towards pets in family violence situations. Relatively straightforward changes to the current forms could help protect pets, giving their families more confidence to escape violent situations, knowing their pets will be safe too.”

Pet Refuge is also in discussions with NZ Police about potentially amending family harm reporting forms with a focus on better protecting victims. In many cases, victims may not realise that cruelty towards pets can be part of the abuse they are experiencing. By making it easier for frontline officers to identify and record instances of pet harm, victims can be offered support and receive information about what Pet Refuge offers.

As its June appeal begins, the charity is urging public support for its ‘Safe Beds for Pets’ programme, where a monthly donation of $25 provides shelter, veterinary treatment, transport, and rehabilitation for pets impacted by family violence.

“Every week, we see pets come through our doors mentally and physically broken – yet despite everything they have been through, so many still wag their tails and crave love and care,” says Julie. “Pets can be in our care for many months while their families are in refuge or emergency housing, and their rehabilitation and healing takes time, resources, and expert support. With the recent increase in the need for specialist veterinary treatment, more public support is critical.”

To donate to give a pet a safe bed, visit www.petrefuge.org.nz.

About Pet Refuge:

Founded by Dame Julie Chapman and opened in 2021, Pet Refuge removes a major barrier to pets and their families escaping family violence.

We work with NZ Police, Women’s Refuge, Shine, and other family violence agencies to assist pets via referrals. We transport pets from around New Zealand to provide a national service for families affected by family violence. The shelter’s location is kept confidential to protect the safety of the pets, women and children Pet Refuge supports.

The shelter houses dogs, cats, small pets, and farm animals and has been designed to provide comfort and security. There are no wire cages, and the enclosures have underfloor heating to create a space specially designed to help pets heal. There are play areas with climbing structures, an obstacle course, and beds for lounging in the sun.

Since opening, Pet Refuge has given over 61,000 safe bed nights to more than 658 pets in need.

© Scoop Media