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Foster care program helps pets of abused

BY DIANE MCCARTNEY

The Wichita Eagle

Getting out of an abusive situation can be like escaping a fire: It's easier if you plan ahead.

Victims of domestic violence may need help fleeing their abusers, and if children are involved, they must be included in the escape plan.

But what about pets?

The Humane Society of the United States says almost half of battered women delay leaving an abusive situation because they worry about what will happen to pets that are left behind.

Pets in Crisis, a program run in cooperation with the Wichita YWCA's Women's Crisis Center, eases those fears by placing animals in foster homes until they can be reunited with their owners.

Since the program started in 2005, it has provided a safe haven for 38 pets --"dogs, cats and a few birds," said Janeen McGee, director of shelter services for the YWCA.

Pets in Crisis works through a local veterinarian and a small network of foster homes, all of whom remain anonymous.

Clients "never know actually where their pet is," McGee said. "They just know they're in a safe place."

Law recognizes pets

There's a strong correlation between domestic violence and animal abuse, McGee said. "It's a very common tactic for abusers" who try to control their victims, she said.

Lawmakers now recognize that link. Legislation sent to the governor on Thursday that will strengthen the state's stalking laws includes for the first time a mention of pets.

Jodi's law, named for Jodi Sanderholm of Arkansas City, who was abducted, raped and murdered in January 2007, includes a provision that makes injury to a targeted person's pet or a pet belonging to a member of the immediate family a form of threat or harassment.

Pets are an important part of many people's lives, but for battered women, the emotional bond can be especially strong, McGee said.

"In many cases, that pet is their sole source of support, and sometimes their sole source of protection."

Knowing their pet will be cared for makes it easier for clients to focus on the next steps toward creating a new life, McGee said.

Pets in Crisis matches clients' pets with foster families, who agree to keep them for up to 30 days, McGee said. Usually within a couple of weeks the client is set up in a new home and can be reunited with the pet.

The success stories help make up for the heartbreaking tales of abuse, she said.

One cat that was sheltered in the program turned out to be pregnant and delivered an unexpected litter of kittens, McGee said.

"The client said this was the first time the kittens had been allowed to survive."

Women thinking of fleeing an abusive situation need to develop a "safety plan," McGee said.

"Just like you would do a fire safety plan, you have to consider: How would you get out of the house? How would you get the children out?... Who could you call for help?" she said.

"We're including pets in that as well."

Reach Diane McCartney at 316-268-6593 or dmccartney@wichitaeagle.com.