29 Nov 2021

Animal shelter expects to be busy ahead of Covid-19 Christmas

From Morning Report, 8:50 am on 29 November 2021

A charity caring for pets affected by family violence is preparing for even more animals to be sheltered in the lead-up to Christmas.

A steep increase in family violence is expected as end-of-year pressures combine with the stresses of Covid-19.

Pets are often a barrier to people leaving abusive relationships, because victims can't take their pets to refuges with them.

The shelter opened in August, and takes care of pets until their owners have a new, safe home.

Founder Julie Chapman spoke to Susie Ferguson.