Pets and Violence - MSPCA-Angell

The MSPCA-Angell has worked to pass laws and policies, and to create more pet-inclusive temporary and long-term housing to ensure domestic violence survivors are safe and housed with their pets.

As many as 48% of domestic violence victims don’t leave, or delay leaving, a violent situation out of concern for a pet. Abusers frequently exploit the bond between victims and their companion animals, using threats or acts of violence against animals as a means of coercion, intimidation, and psychological control. The effectiveness of this tactic is well documented: nearly three-quarters of women with companion animals entering domestic violence shelters reported that their abusers had threatened, injured, maimed, or killed family pets as an act of revenge or to exert psychological control.

These findings underscore the urgent need for laws that protect both human victims and their companion animals, ensuring that no one is forced to remain in an abusive situation out of fear for the safety and well-being of a beloved animal.

Our work passing laws, advocating for pet-inclusive housing, and sharing information about “the link” with stakeholders, help ensure that people and animals are protected.

Temporary Housing Resources

MSPCA-Angell Safe Pet Program: This program provides temporary assistance for families in crisis, including individuals fleeing domestic violence. Please contact us directly at 617-522-7400.
SafeLink: The statewide 24/7 toll-free domestic violence hotline: Call (877) 785-2020. Deaf and hard-of-hearing callers can reach SafeLink via video relay service using the main number (877) 785-2020, or by TTY at (877) 521-2601. Chat online: CasaMyrna.org/chat
Animal Rescue League of Boston: Temporary Pet Housing Initiative
Boston-based Pet Fostering-to-Return Facebook page (there may be similar groups in your community)
Elizabeth Freeman Center in partnership with Berkshire Humane Society and HAVEN SafePet Program
413-447-7878 (Berkshire Humane Society)/413-499-2425 (Elizabeth Freeman Center)
Alianza Domestic Violence Services: Holyoke, Mass. 877-536-1628
Project Keep Me (Second Chance Animal Services): temporary boarding for pets of survivors of domestic violence and veterans who are seeking in-patient treatment.
NH SPCA Safe Pet Program (NH residents only) This program provides temporary assistance for families in crisis, including individuals fleeing domestic violence.
Safe Havens for Pets: National searchable database of resources
Escape Grants/Red Rover: The Safe Escape grant program helps families with pets safely escape domestic violence together. Funding is mainly provided to help with the cost of temporary pet boarding while a client is in a domestic violence shelter, though other costs associated with boarding (like vaccinations) can be considered.
Independence House, Inc.: Cape Cod’s leading domestic and sexual violence emergency housing resource, counseling, and advocacy center to address and prevent domestic and sexual violence.
Find all our housing resources here.

The Link Between Animal Cruelty and Human Violence

Significant correlations between animal abuse, child abuse and neglect, domestic violence, elder abuse, and other forms of violence have been established. The MSPCA and Northeastern University conducted a study which was the first to examine the relationship between violence against animals and crime in general. In the study, a number of cruelty cases prosecuted by the MSPCA were reviewed. Results indicate that 70 percent of those who committed crimes against animals had also been involved in other violent, property, drug, and disorderly crimes. The study also concluded that a person who has committed animal abuse is:

5 times more likely to commit violence against people
4 times more likely to commit property crimes
3 times more likely to be involved in drunken or disorderly offenses

The results of this groundbreaking study established that an animal abuser is more often a potential danger to society and more likely to be involved in other crimes. Learn more about research in this area at The National Link Coalition.

Policy and Legislation

The MSPCA has been actively involved in passing legislation that addresses the link between animal abuse and human violence. Some of our successes:

Advocated for a law that allows pets to be included in temporary protection orders (Ch. 209A section 11). Petition form (.pdf)
Facilitated the filing and passage of the PAWS II law that increases cross-reporting between agencies and adds animal crimes to the list of offenses that serve as the basis for a request for a determination of detention and/or release upon conditions.
Advocated for the inclusion of threatening, attempting, or committing cruelty or abuse to an animal connected to the family or household member in the definition of “coercive control” in state law (Ch. 209A section 1).
Supported the Federal PAWS Act, filed by Congresswoman Katherine Clark, that allows individuals to obtain an order of protection for themselves and their companion animals in cases of interstate domestic violence and stalking. It also established an Emergency and Transitional Pet Shelter and Housing Assistance Grant Program that provides funding to eligible entities to establish short-term pet shelters and housing assistance.

We also provide trainings on the link between animal cruelty and human violence.