DAIS emergency kennel helps pets of victims

MADISON, Wis. (WMTV)--For many, pets are like family member but experts say in domestic abuse situations they could play a big role when victims leave their abusers.

Domestic Abuse Intervention Services helps empower those affected by domestic violence. Shannon Barry is the executive director at DAIS and she says there's a link between pets and domestic abuse.

"If you think about domestic violence. The reality is, it's an issue where abusers will do anything to control their victims,” said Barry.

Barry says that includes abusing pets.

"Different studies have shown that about 70% of women of domestic violence have had their batterers attack or kill their companion animals and their pets," said Barry.

DAIS has partnered up with the organization, Sheltering Animals of Abuse Victims, a non-profit to make sure pets have a safe place to go. But in an emergency situation, DAIS has an onsite emergency kennel so pets are safe before getting enrolled in the program.

Barry says this will break down one barrier, many victims face.

"We know domestic violence impact every member of the family,” said Barry.