Animals suffer as families flee domestic abuse

THE RSPCA is looking for animal-lovers to foster dogs and cats belonging to families fleeing domestic abuse.

The society is rolling out its PetRetreat scheme across the North this year and wants to hear from anyone who thinks they can help.

RSPCA chief inspector Cathy Hyde said: “The ability of the scheme to respond effectively to the needs of people and their pets leaving violent situations is crucially dependent on the availability of sufficient people willing to act as fosterers. If you think you might be suitable for the role we want to hear from you.”

The society is already working in the North-West with the long-established charity Paws for Kids and it has been running its PetRetreat scheme to great effect in other parts of England and Wales since 2002.

Chief inspector Hyde added: “The RSPCA is fully committed to animals caught up in domestic violence and the PetRetreat scheme fits hand-in-glove with the work we already do.

“By helping these animals, as we do in our everyday work at the RSPCA, we are also able to help the individuals involved, and their families. Many of those affected are, understandably, unwilling to leave the home situation without there being somewhere safe for their pets to go. Unfortunately, many of the refuges are unable to take pets, which often means the women stay for much longer than they would have.”

Referral to the PetRetreat scheme must come from a refuge, social services or police.

All animals will be assessed at the time of acceptance including neutering, microchipping, a full health check and vaccinations, where needed, before being moved on to a foster home.

Fosterers will receive on-going support, including the payment of expenses, but it is hoped pet and owner will be reunited when the time is right.

For more information, contact Carolyn Southwell, PetRetreat manager, or Caroline Prowse, PetRetreat co-ordinator, on 0300-123 8278, e-mail petretreat@rspca.org.uk or log on to www.rspca-petretreat.com


Pet rats abandoned
These cute rats were intended to be pets but were abandoned at Chester rail station

The RSPCA is appealing for information after 42 rats were discovered in two sealed boxes at 12.30am last Thursday.

Stacked one on top of the other, one box had a paper stuck to it with a note reading: “Pet rats in transit, handle with care”. RSPCA inspector Leanne Hardy said: “We don’t know whether they were left on the platform by mistake or whether they were abandoned but I’m hoping anyone who knows anything about them will get in touch as soon as possible.”

The platforms are searched every hour. Only two trains came through the station during that time — one from Manchester Piccadilly and another from the Merseyside area. Inspector Hardy said: “They’re all very friendly and if we can’t find the owner we’ll be looking for new homes for them.”

Anyone who thinks they have any information about who they may belong to, should call the 24-hour cruelty and advice line on 0300-1234 999 and ask to leave a message for RSPCA Inspector Hardy.