UGA Law Student Animal Legal Defense Fund Chapter

Last Saturday, the UGA SALDF chapter had their annual homecoming bake sale on UGA’s historic North Campus. This year, we decided to donate the proceeds of our fundraiser to Ahimsa House, a fantastic organization dedicated to getting both the animal and human victims of domestic violence to safety. Although the information is becoming more prevalent, many people are still unaware of the connection between animal abuse and domestic violence. According to Ahimsa House’s website:

• Domestic violence can occur anywhere; it crosses all races, all cultures and all socioeconomic backgrounds. In 2004, Georgia had 107 confirmed homicides resulting from domestic violence. Georgia ranks 10th in the nation for its rate of men killing women.

• Most U.S. households have pets, and pets are often considered part of the family. Recognizing the bonds between victims and their pets, many batterers threaten, harm, and even kill pets in the home in order to control, intimidate, and retaliate against their victims.

• Up to 71% of victims entering domestic violence shelters report that their abusers threatened, injured, or killed the family pets. Research indicates that pet abuse may be a red flag for increased severity of domestic violence and more controlling behavior by the abuser.

• According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, fewer than 1 in 8 domestic violence shelters is able to accommodate victims’ pets.

• Abusers often threaten to harm pets if a victim flees. Threats toward a pet have also been used as effective ways to silence children from reporting sexual abuse.

• As many as half of all victims of domestic violence entering shelters report that they delayed seeking safety from an abusive situation because of concerns about what would happen to their pets.

• Victims who leave pets behind have been known to leave domestic violence shelters and return to the residence in order to attempt to reclaim or care for the pets.

• In addition to these safety risks to both humans and animals, witnessing pet abuse is traumatic to both children and adults. In a violent situation, a loving bond with a pet may serve as a vital source of support. Being forced to leave pets behind when fleeing abuse, especially with the knowledge that they may face further harm from the abuser, serves as an additional stressor at what is already a time of crisis.

• Children who witness pet abuse may go on to engage in animal cruelty themselves. Animal cruelty in childhood is a risk factor for interpersonal violence.

Because of these factors, and the fact that Ahimsa House is the only organization in Georgia to perform such a service, we felt that the proceeds of our bake sale should go to helping Ahimsa House. With the help of the UGA alumni who purchased our goodies, we raised $189! Many thanks to everyone who donated their time, money, and baked goods. A special shout out to Cecilia Villaveces Cakes, which donated a whole delicious cake for us to sell! Events like this go to show that you don’t have to have expansive resources to make a huge difference in an animal’s life.