In a win for animal rights groups, pets will now be recognised as victims of family violence after an Animal Justice Party motion passed unanimously on March 3.
The motion called on the government to review the Family Violence Protection Act, and recognise that companion animals can be affected by family violence.
It also called for increased funding for the care of animals, to support victims who were trying to escape abusive households but didn't want to leave their pet behind.
Goulburn Valley Pet Adoption and Rehoming founder Tilliah Brooks said having legislation that protected companion animals as well as victims of family violence was "really positive".
“I do know that it can be a real barrier for victim survivors fleeing family violence,” she said.
“They feel trapped when they can't take their pet with them, or they don't have somebody appropriate to take the pet on in the meantime if they do have to go into a refuge.
“Having this legislation really cements that we do understand what a barrier this is, and how important it is to protect the animals at such an uncertain time in their life.”
Ms Brooks said the shelter had taken in several animals from family violence situations in the past.
“They (the owners) are absolutely terrified to the core of their being that whoever's perpetrating violence against them is going to hurt the animal,” she said.
“They might have hurt them in the past, and now they're scared that it's going to escalate and they might actually kill them this time.
“I can only imagine the inner turmoil that they go through, thinking that they're going to have to leave their animals behind.”
Ms Brooks said increased funding would assist shelters to better support victims of family violence, and create a temporary refuge for pets while survivors got back on their feet.
“The idea of having to give up your pet in that situation is another layer of trauma and loss to people who've already lost their home, their community, their friends,” Ms Brooks said.
“I think it's something that the government does need to be really aware of, that . . . we'd be more than happy to help.
“But there is only so much we can do when it does come at a financial cost.”
RSPCA Victoria's chief executive officer Liz Walker said there was a clear link between family violence and animal abuse.
“RSPCA Victoria’s inspectors investigate thousands of animal cruelty reports every year and often see that where animal abuse exists, so does family violence,” she said.
“We know that cruelty to animals is a strong marker for other forms of violence, so we are very supportive of any improvements to legislation that works to better protect both people and animals in these situations.”
In the 2020 financial year, RSPCA Victoria provided emergency boarding for 109 animals in north-east Victoria, including those belonging to people affected by family violence.
Dr Walker called on the government to allow for the inclusion of companion animals in restraining orders, and empower agencies to expand accommodation and housing facilities.
“We hope that these changes will encourage further cross-agency collaboration, to identify signs of animal abuse before it is reported to us,” Dr Walker said.
“Veterinarians, community service workers and other frontline staff should be trained and supported to identify and report suspected cases of animal cruelty.”
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