Support and Protect Victims of Domestic Violence and Their Pets

Target: Patrick Leahy, Chairman of Senate Appropriations Committee

Goal: Support facilities that protect individuals and pets harmed by domestic abuse.

Pet owners in domestically abusive relationships may be more likely to remain at risk due to concerns about their animal’s welfare. One senator is fighting to reduce that risk. Senator Gary Peters is urging the Senate Appropriations Committee to allocate $3 million in funding for the Pet and Women Safety Act (PAWS). This legislation supports facilities that help women and their pets who have been victims of domestic abuse, stalking, and sexual violence. Senators including Bernie Sanders and Kyrsten Sinema added their signatures to the letter urging funding from the committee.

This letter comes at a time when domestic violence has been on the rise due to the pandemic. A study has shown that many abusers use the threat of hurting pets to keep a hold on their partners. The PAWS Act can use the funding to help those who need to escape these grim situations. Sign the petition below to urge the Senate Appropriations Committee to pass The PAWS Act and fund them to save many women and their pets from abuse.

PETITION LETTER:

Dear Chairman Leahy,

Funding and passing the PAWS Act is a crucial step toward helping victims and their pets that have been through abuse. Many senators are supporting this legislation and we demand you listen to them. Studies show how important it is, during this pandemic specifically, to help victims. Abusers use the threat of hurting pets to keep a hold on their partners, the animals deserve safety too.

Sincerely,

[Your Name Here]

Photo Credit: Jonathan Kriz