Dogs Trust appeal for dog foster carers to help victims of abusive homes

An appeal has been made for families to foster the dogs of people who are fleeing abusive homes.

The Dogs Trust, which has a base in Snetterton, has expanded its Freedom Project and is seeking animal-lovers to temporarily care for the dogs of survivors of domestic abuse.

Project co-ordinator Sarah Rowe said: “We urgently need the animal-loving public of East Anglia to come forward to volunteer as foster carers.

“In August, we fostered a record number of dogs on the project, so this service is more important than ever. We urgently need volunteers to help us support people and their pets when they need it most.”

The expansion of the Freedom Project, which has been running since 2004, will cover Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire.

Having a foster family for a dog enables survivors to access safe accommodation without the fear of what may happen to their dog if they cannot take them with them.

Research shows there is a strong link between domestic abuse and abuse to pets and that pets will often be used by a perpetrator as a tool to threaten or coerce.

To return to our home page for more stories, click here.