Smucker Works to Protect Women and Animals from Abuse

Press Release

U.S. Rep. Lloyd Smucker (PA-16) is working to make it easier for victims of domestic violence to leave their abusers. Rep. Smucker has signed on as a cosponsor of the Pet and Women Safety (PAWS) Act -- bipartisan legislation that would address obstacles to getting help for victims of abuse by providing shelter and housing assistance for victims and their pets.

"Victims of domestic violence should never be forced to choose between their own safety and the safety of their pets," said Rep. Smucker. "Violence against women and animals has absolutely no place in our society. This bill is just one way we can help women, and their beloved animals which are also often abused, escape dangerous, abusive situations."

Background

Many victims of domestic abuse are often reluctant to leave their abusive situation if they cannot take their pets with them, for fear of what the abuser might do to their pets. This legislation was introduced by Rep. Katherine Clark (MA-05), and has broad bipartisan support with over 200 cosponsors.

According to the Animal Welfare Institute:

As many as 86 percent of domestic violence survivors reported that their pets had been threatened, harmed, or killed by their partners.

In a national survey, 85 percent of domestic violence shelters indicated that women coming to their facilities spoke of incidents of pet abuse.

As many as 48 percent of the battered women responding to surveys said they had delayed leaving a dangerous situation out of concern for their pets' safety, and some reported living in their cars with their pets rather than leaving them behind.

The PAWS Act has been endorsed by:

American Kennel Club
American Veterinary Medical Association
American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA)
Animal Legal Defense Fund
Animal Welfare Institute
Association of Prosecuting Attorneys
Fraternal Order of Police
Humane Society of the United States
National Animal Care and Control Association
National Coalition Against Domestic Violence
National District Attorneys Association
National Link Coalition
National Network to End Domestic Violence
National Sheriffs' Association
RedRover
Sheltering Animals and Families Together Program
Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA) USA

Source