New organisation looks after pets from violent situations

Pets are often the forgotten victims of Family Violence, and are targetted by abusive partners as a method of control and manipulation. They can also prevent victims from leaving harmful relationships because it's so hard to find pet-friendly homes. In response, a group of animal lovers are building a pet refuge centre in Auckland where people from all over the country can send their dogs, cats or other animals until they find their feet. Pet Refuge founder Julie Chapman told our producer Matthew Theunissen why pets are so often caught up in family violence.