Tamworth Family Support Service to Begin Construction of Domestic Violence Pet Shelter | The head of the daily newspaper in the North

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Victims of domestic and family violence in Tamworth take another step towards protecting their beloved animals, with work scheduled to begin later this month to build an animal shelter attached to the Tamworth Family Support Service women’s shelter. It is hoped that it will be fully operational by the end of February, and Service Manager Lynda Townsend was delighted to see things progress. “Considering that the evidence suggests that people who live in abusive homes are often reluctant to leave for fear of their pet’s welfare, this is another step in the right direction,” Ms. Townsend said. “Getting the funding right before Christmas, well, that was a little exciting.” In Tamworth, nearly $ 24,000 has been allocated to establish two permanent pet enclosures on the grounds of the Women’s and Children’s Shelter, and will be used to train staff in pet care. The move follows the state government’s proposal to legislate more protection for victim-survivors and their pets in October, with proposed reforms to the Apprehended Domestic Violence Ordinance (ADVO). READ ALSO “When we are dealing with women’s shelters they don’t necessarily have pet-friendly facilities, they can take women and children along, but the animals add another layer of complexity,” Ms Townsend said.

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Victims of domestic and family violence in Tamworth take another step towards protecting their beloved animals, with work scheduled to begin later this month to build an animal shelter attached to the Tamworth Family Support Service women’s shelter.

It is hoped that it will be fully operational by the end of February, and Service Manager Lynda Townsend was delighted to see things progress.

“Considering that the evidence suggests that people who live in abusive homes are often reluctant to leave for fear of their pet’s welfare, this is another step in the right direction,” Ms. Townsend said.

Getting the funding right before Christmas, well, that was a little exciting.

Lynda Townsend

“Getting the funding right before Christmas, well, that was a little exciting.”

In Tamworth, nearly $ 24,000 has been allocated to establish two permanent pet enclosures on the grounds of the Women’s and Children’s Shelter, and will be used to train staff in pet care.

“When we are dealing with women’s shelters, they don’t necessarily come equipped for pets, they can take women and children, but the animals add another layer of complexity,” Ms. Townsend said.

• For support in cases of domestic and family violence, call 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732), NSW Domestic Violence Line (1800 65 64 63) or the Referral service for men (1300 766 491).