An estimated one in three women and one in four men experience some form of domestic abuse in their lifetimes, but only ten percent of domestic violence shelters accept pets. As a result, nearly half of victims choose to stay in abusive situations rather than leave their pet behind.
About the Purple Leash Project
The Purple Leash Project was born out of Purina’s mission to bring and keep pets and people together and RedRover’s mission to bring animals and their owners from crisis to care.
RedRover has done amazing work over the last 11 years to change how domestic violence shelters and service providers serve domestic abuse victims and pets.
RAISING AWARENESS ABOUT PET-FRIENDLY DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SHELTERS
Through the Purple Leash Project, the PAWS Actand more, we hope to not only raise awareness about the critically low number of pet-friendly domestic violence shelters, but to also change the statistics around domestic violence and pets.
Journey to the Purple Leash Project
Prior to the Purple Leash Project, Purina joined the PAWS Act Coalition, a group of non-profit and for-profit organizations that advocated for and supported the Pets and Women Safety (PAWS) Act.
The Act passed on December 20, 2018, as part of the Senate Farm Bill and bridges gaps in services for domestic abuse victims and their pets. Purina and members of the PAWS Act Coalition will continue efforts to promote awareness of the issue and secure funding for the bill.
Purina also worked with Urban Resource Institute (URI) in New York City to open the nation’s first entirely pet-friendly domestic violence shelter.
Volunteers from Purina have also helped Lydia's House, a St. Louis women’s shelter, welcome more pets as well.
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