Devon & Cornwall Police have given funding to a charity which helps to protect people and their pets across the two counties.
Refuge4Pets applied for a donation from the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) fund, which seizes cash and assets from criminals and hands them over to community groups and good causes.
The charity provides a specialist animal fostering service to victim-survivors of domestic abuse so they, and their much-loved animals, can leave harm and be safe.
Often, individuals and families escaping domestic abuse are unable to take their animals with them, as most temporary accommodation does not allow pets.
In many cases, this will stop people from leaving their abusive partner, and some perpetrators will use the animals to gain control over a victim.
Devon & Cornwall Police have handed over £2,000, which will help towards more training sessions to benefit victims.
Mary Wakeham, chief executive of Refuge4Pets, said: “We provide training and resources to a range of professionals to help them to understand the link between domestic abuse and animal abuse, and how to promote the safety of all victim-survivors of domestic abuse — humans and animals. This fantastic donation will help us to train more people to help those in need.”
She added: “We are always looking for more volunteer animal foster carers, so if you have time to spare, please get in touch. We cover the cost of everything, including vet treatment.”
To contact Refuge4Pets, call 0300 4000 121 or email info@refuge4pets.org.uk.
