Public Policy: Animals and Domestic or Intimate Partner Violence
The Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) strives to protect animals from abuse, cruelty, and neglect and supports the protection and rescue of animals from abusive environments. Abusive environments may include situations involving domestic or intimate partner violence.
Victims of violence are from a variety of populations, including the elderly, the disabled, children, and families. Victims of domestic or intimate partner violence may fear leaving a dangerous situation for fear of the safety of their animals. Abusers in violent situations may attempt to use an animal to perpetuate a cycle of violence against a human victim.
The Animal Rescue League of Boston will:
- Support federal, state, and local measures to keep animals in need safe in happy and healthy environments;
- Support the protection of animals from situations involving domestic and intimate partner violence;
- Support the keeping of people and pets in a safe haven or home;
- Encourage and participate in training programs for those persons who work in the criminal justice system or entities involved with domestic or intimate violence, if animals may be impacted; and
- Take federal, state, and local advocacy steps and measures to support or oppose laws or measures based upon the best interest of the animals.
- Advocate to co-house pets and people together, for the best interest of both the pet and their human companion.
View ARL’s full list of Animal Welfare Policy and Position Statements