How Domestic Violence Impacts Animal Welfare: 9 Pigs at Pasado's

Nine pigs are now safe at our animal sanctuary, rescued from a dire situation.

The Rescue: Pasado's received a call from a domestic violence victim in need of escape from her abuser. Like many cases of DV, the victim didn't want to leave her pets behind. In this case, rather than a dog or cat, she needed to get her nine pigs to safety before she could leave. Tragically, her abuser had already killed one of her pigs as the abuse escalated.

The Hidden Danger: The link between animal abuse and domestic violence is distressingly common. Research from the American Humane Association reveals that over 70 percent of female domestic abuse survivors with pets reported that their abuser had threatened, injured, or killed family pets as a form of retaliation or control. Studies conducted across multiple U.S. cities have shown that pet abuse significantly increases the risk of both domestic violence and child abuse. Shockingly, data from the Chicago Police Department indicates that 65 percent of those arrested for animal cruelty had also been arrested for battery against a person.

"Animal cruelty is a predictor of current and future violence ... Often, the abused partner will choose to stay in the violent situation out of concern for the pet’s safety." - Charlie Robinson and Victoria Clausen, FBI Behavioral Analysis Unit

A Happy Ending: Thankfully, after a series of adoptions from our potbelly yard, we were able to create space for the entire group of pigs in need of sanctuary. These nine pigs are now thriving at Pasado's and receiving all the love and care they could need. They are sweet, social, and love belly rubs and treats. We are grateful we could help get everyone involved out of a dangerous situation and provide this family of pigs with the safe haven they deserve.

Understanding the Connection: This rescue highlights a critical issue: the intersection of domestic violence and animal welfare. Animals like these 9 pigs often find themselves being used as psychological weapons and in harm's way during domestic violence disputes.

What You Can Do

• Raise Awareness: Keep talking about this! Educate others about the connection between domestic violence and animal abuse. Help people recognize using animal suffering as a weapon in domestic violence situations and listen to domestic violence survivors.
• Support Legislation: Advocate for laws that protect both domestic violence victims and their pets, like the PUPP Act, that keeps people who are seeking shelter with their companion animals when they need them the most: https://www.pasadosafehaven.org/action-alerts/#/93
• Get Involved: Support local shelters and rescues that provide safe havens for both people and their animals. Whether it's financial, or you're volunteering your time, everything helps.

At Pasado's Safe Haven, we are committed to compassion for all. Together, we can make a difference.

Pasado's Safe Haven is dedicated to animal welfare and rescues animals based on our capacity, access to veterinary services, and other critical factors. Please note, we are not equipped to provide shelter or direct assistance to human victims of domestic violence.

If you are facing domestic violence and need assistance with rehoming your pet, please contact us for resources that can support you during this challenging time.

If you are experiencing domestic violence and in need of help, please contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1800-799-SAFE or by texting START to 88788. Their live chat is also available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

For shelters that accommodate people and their pets, visit the NDVH website to see your local options.