PAWS of Jackson Hole Donates Kennel Facility to Community Safety Network
PAWS of Jackson Hole and Community Safety Network announce today, the unveiling of a new kennel facility on-site at Community Safety Network shelters, the Newton House of Hope. This new feature offers victims of domestic violence the option of bringing their pet(s) with them to the shelter when fleeing an abusive relationship.
Studies show that there is a clear link between domestic violence, child abuse, and abuse of animals. These studies also indicate that 71% of pet-owning women entering women’s shelters report that their batterer had threatened, injured, or killed family pets.
Today in the United States there are only a handful of women’s shelters that have boarding facilities for family pets. Because victims know that most shelters cannot accept pets, this becomes a barrier to seeking help and safety.
Community Safety Network and PAWS host a collaborative program called SafePAWS which offers temporary foster homes for the companion animals of CSN shelter guests. Today they are thrilled to announce the latest enhancement to the program. Guests can now bring dogs, cats, birds, or rodents to Community Safety Network and they will be housed in an 8’ x 8’ heated, on-site, fenced kennel. The kennel is large enough that pet owners can spend time inside visiting with their pets during the day. Additionally, the kennel offers unlimited access to an outdoor lawn which provides fresh air, room to run, privacy, and security.
PAWS and Community Safety Network have filed a joint grant application with American Humane, which is accepting start-up applications specifically for Domestic Violence shelters that want to offer this type of benefit to their guests. Their hope is to get a portion of the construction costs reimbursed through the grant, with the balance of the funds coming from private donations to PAWS of Jackson Hole.
This kennel facility represents the next logical extension of the SafePAWS program and puts PAWS and Community Safety Network at the forefront of the movement to protect people and their companion animals from violence.
About PAWS of Jackson Hole & Community Safety Network:
PAWS advocates for animals and promotes responsible pet ownership through local outreach programs. Training to become a SafePAWS foster family is being offered on August 27th. Community Safety Network provides free and confidential support, advocacy, shelter, and assistance to those affected by domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking.
Link with information about Animal Abuse and Domestic Violence:
http://www.americanhumane.org/about-us/newsroom/fact-sheets/animal-abuse-domestic-violence.html
Contact:
Amy Romaine, Executive Director
PAWS of Jackson Hole
307-734-2441
amy@pawsofjh.org
www.pawsofjh.org
Sharel Love, Executive Director
Community Safety Network
307-733-3711
sharel@csnjh.org
www.communitysafetynetwork.org
