Through a partnership with Pee Dee Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Assault, The Humane Society of Marlboro County is proud to be able to provide a temporary safe haven for pets of domestic violence survivors. Our hope is that no one fleeing an abusive situation has to make the decision to leave behind their beloved cat or dog.
Rescue Rebuild, a program of Greater Good Charities, and RedRover provided the grants to create a dedicated space to house these animals. Rescue Rebuild has led repairs and renovations for domestic violence, homeless, and animal shelters in need all across the nation.
Thanks to the support of the The South Carolina Bar Young Lawyer’s Division and their Voices Against Violence Committee’s Purple Leash Project, these pets will be able to receive routine and emergency veterinary services while in our care. #VAVPurpleLeash
RedRover President and CEO Nicole Forsyth said, “Domestic violence survivors often delay leaving their abuser because they can’t take their pet with them. Building dedicated space for the pets of domestic violence survivors – whether it be in an animal shelter or a domestic violence shelter – breaks down their barriers and saves more human and animal lives.”
“I love that more and more animal shelters are evolving to take an active role in helping people in their communities by helping their pets,” said Bryna Donnelly, Greater Good Charities Vice President of Pet Programs. She went on, “Humane Society of Marlboro County is an amazing example of how collaboration is making communities safer for all their inhabitants both two and four-legged.”
Humane Society of Marlboro County Shelter Director Stephanie Jones said, “The Humane Society of Marlboro County is excited to be one of the first animal shelters in the region to offer a safe space for pets of domestic violence victims. Pets are family too, and survivors should not have to make the difficult decision to leave them behind when fleeing abusive situations.”