Pet Refuge founder Julie Chapman in one of the rooms at the new facility Photo: Supplied"Animals are harmed or threatened by perpetrators to control their victims. A Women's Refuge survey of victims who had experienced animal abuse found just over half delayed leaving out of fear for their animals' safety. Women's Refuge chief executive Ang Jury hopes the Pet Refuge will remove one of the barriers for women wanting to leave violent situations. Some of the rooms at Pet Refuge Photo: SUPPLIEDThe 'cat condos' are specially designed to give cats a space to sleep, play and feel secure. Animals will be referred to Pet Refuge by police and family violence agencies, including Women's Refuge, Shine and Family Action Network.

Source: Otago Daily Times August 10, 2021 21:45 UTC