A LOCAL charity, Refuge4Pets, based in Liskeard whose primary purpose is to enable freedom from domestic violence and abuse for pets and their owners, have received £200 from Launceston Central Methodist Church raised during its Launceston Community Market.

The small team of three provide a pet fostering service in Cornwall and Devon so that individuals and families can escape violent and abusive relationships to access the safety and support that they need before being reunited with their pets. Domestic violence and abuse is one of the most significant public health concerns that we experience in the UK today.

At least one in four women and one in six men will become a victim of domestic violence and abuse at some point in their adult life.

Pets are threatened, actually harmed or killed in at least half of all domestic violence and abuse cases where pets are in the household.

For many victims of domestic violence and abuse the reality is that concerns for their pet’s safety and welfare and the strong human-animal bond prevents people from leaving, delays leaving or means people return.

Refuge4Pets started in August 2017 and they are the only organisation who provide this type of service in the South West of England. Since they started they have supported more than 150 families and individuals to leave violent and abusive relationships by fostering more than 200 pets.

Mary Wakeham, project manager, said: “We foster dogs, cats, horses, birds, reptiles, rabbits and small furries such as hamsters for up to six months.

“Our pet foster carers are volunteers who are committed to caring for animals and are carefully recruited to make sure they offer the best possible temporary foster homes.

“We understand that victims/survivors of domestic violence and abuse often have to leave with nothing which is why all of the pets that we foster receive the vet treatment that they need, food and bedding paid for by us.

“We are extremely grateful to Launceston Community Market for their donation of £200 which means a great deal to us as such a small charity.”

If anyone would like more information about the charity visit www.refuge4pets.org.uk