Hein: “… unquestioned link between violence with animals
and violence with people”
KINGSTON – Ulster County residents who escape domestic violence at the women’s shelter will now be allowed to include their pets in the relocation. The new policy was announced Thursday at County Executive Michael Hein’s office in Kingston.
He said in domestic violence situations, there are a large percentage of victims entering shelters who are reporting that their partner either injured, maimed or killed their pet.
“There is an unquestioned link between violence with animals and violence with people, Hein said. “Anyone who is in an abusive relationship now has the ability to be able to find safe haven, and also insure that there is safe shelter for their family poet that they love and care for,” Hein said.
The domestic violence shelter, run by Family of Woodstock has 17 beds, enough space for about five families, according to Executive Director Michael Berg. That’s room for about five families, plus roughly five family pets. During 2014, the facility was at capacity all year.
“We hear from people who want to get help, but they’re afraid to leave the house, because there’s no place to take the animals, so they submit themselves and their family to continued abuse,” Berg said. Half of the cases have such threats, he noted.
Costs will be covered under the existing shelter program, on a per-diem basis as needed. “We haven’t capped it at all. Currently we have an extensive contract with Family of Woodstock to provide services, this will be an add-on to the contract,” said Deputy County Executive Kenneth Crannell.
Additionally Hein will be working with the county legislature to establish an animal abuse registry. At the same time, the county is partnering with the SPCA to spearhead a humane feral cat control program, involving “trap, neuter, release.”
