By Taylor Chartrand

Hatters and their pets brave the cold to raise awareness for family violence

Nov 17, 2018 | 5:30 PM

Medicine Hat, AB- The Medicine Hat Women’s Shelter Society hosted their annual Pet Walk for Family Violence Prevention Month.

Although it was a chilly one, nearly thirty residents took part in the walk along with their furry friends.

Executive Director of the Medicine Hat Women’s Shelter Society Natasha Carvalho spearheaded the event down in Kin Coulee Park and talks about the annual initiative.

“This is our fourth pet walk and we partner with the SPCA to hold it every year. I feel like there’s almost thirty people here with their dogs, which is great considering the weather is a little chillier today. It’s just a great way to get out and raise some awareness on this issue.”

Of course that issue being family violence. Now one thing people may not always think about when it comes to family violence, is what to do with your pets.

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“It’s just important for us to recognize that pets are a part of our family and in terms of family violence, we know that can be a big barrier for people to leave their abusive situations.”

Astonishingly enough, Alberta SPCA conducted a survey in 2012 and found that 59% of abused women with animals delayed leaving out of concern for their pet.

That same survey found that 36% of abused women with animals reported their abuser threatened or harmed their animals. 85% of those threats against animals were then carried out.

In April of 2017, that is when the light-bulb moment occurred in Carvalho’s mind to provide a solution to this problem.

“Now, we have this great partnership with the SPCA where they’ll take the pets during the time in which these individuals spend at the shelter.”

SPCA president Kristina Segall then echoed Carvalho’s comments.

“We’re very honored to work in partnership with the Medicine Hat Women’s Shelter Society to provide the Pet Safekeeping Program, where we can safely house your pets for the short term while you leave an abusive situation,” explained Segall. “Our staff will give your loved pet the attention, care and cuddles they need until you’re able to pick them up.”

The SPCA temporarily cares for an average of one to three pets per month for domestic violence survivors through their Pet Safekeeping program.

Provincially, the Pet Safekeeping program has grown by over 300% over the last three years in a variety of centres including Calgary, Edmonton, Medicine Hat, Red Deer, St. Paul, Westlock and Whitecourt.

Obviously, these services do come at a cost though and the SPCA could use a little help. Currently, the SPCA has a Wish List of items that could certainly benefit the cause. 

If you weren’t able to attend this years pet walk, Carvalho says you’ll certainly have the opportunity to do so in 2019.

“Just come down and join us next year. It’s super fun and it’s a good way to get out and be active. Different crowds bring different opinions and it’s always great to interact with the community. It’s just another way to discuss family violence.”