The bond we share with our pets is always an important one, particularly when we're going through difficult times. Sadly, abusers also recognise this bond, and use it to gain power and control over their partner or family members. This can range from threatening to harm the pet, to stopping someone being able to care for their pet the way they’d like to.

Coercive control 

We know that many abusers exploit the bond people have with their pets to gain power and control. It’s common for pets to be threatened, or even harmed, by perpetrators.  

Emotional abuse 

Emotional or psychological abuse might include an abuser selling or re-homing a beloved pet, or calling the owners names, such as a 'bad dog owner'. 

Physical abuse 

Over a third of the dogs referred to Freedom have also experienced physical abuse, which is extremely frightening and traumatic for their owners to witness. We work closely with the Links Group, who aim to raise awareness within the vet community of non-accidental injury.

Economic abuse

Many abusers will control access to finances, preventing dog owners accessing essential veterinary care or food for their dogs. Our service is completely free to access; we'll arrange a health check and organise any vaccinations or flea and worming treatment that might be needed.  

Refuge offers support in making sure pets are cared for until they can be re-united with their owners.

Find out more here https://refuge.org.uk/what-about-pets/