Violent or Abusive People Who Take It Out In Their Pets

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I got this e-mail newsletter from PetPlace.com, and it really sickened me. We all know that sad to say, that there are many families who live in violent or abusive family backgrounds, and often it is recognizable when a person is suffering from an abusive spouse or other family member as there are usually telltale signs...the constant bruises for example. But according to this article the most silent of victims will quite often be the innocent family pet. The abuser, will often keep the family "at bay" by threatening to harm the family pet and thus, the other family members will keep silent. But this isn't always the case. Sometimes the abusive family member will take it out on the pet regardless, and create an atmosphere where the victim is afraid to leave as is stated here: I quote from the article: .."The Fear of Leaving.... There are many reasons victims of violence are afraid to leave the abuser. Fear of being caught leaving, financial instability, not knowing where to go, and emotional connection to the abuser. For those who have a pet who is also being abused, some do not know where to take the pet and are afraid to leave him behind with the abuser. Some abusers actively threaten to harm the pet if the victim leaves. The need to stay and protect the pet may prevent a victim of violence from fleeing the situation. Cases of violence toward a pet send a message to the victim: “If you leave, I will kill you.” Some of the documented cases include a man throwing his girlfriend's seven week old kitten against the wall during an argument. The kitten suffered severe head trauma and was euthanized. A client brought her old dog to a veterinarian for euthanasia. The client returned days later with two black eyes and a Pomeranian with broken legs. Upon questioning, the vet learned the woman's spouse forced her to euthanize the old dog and had broken the Pomeranian's legs as a punishment. Also as punishment, a man killed his children's pet fish, one by one, in front of the family. After witnessing situations such as these, it is understandable that a victim would fear the consequences of leaving. “What will happen to me if I leave? Will my pets survive?”......" This really sickened me to read this. The article further suggests though, that there are refuges, such as taking the pet out of the home and boarding it, while the "victims" leave their abuser to seek their own safety. And of course suggests calling the police in such matters. Here is the article in full: http://www.petplace.com/cats/silent-victims-of-family-abusethe-role-of-pets-in-violence/page1.aspx?utm_source=catcrazynews001i&utm_medium=email&utm_content=petplace_article&utm_campaign=petplace