Pet Walk recognizes effect of family violence on animals

By KENDALL KING, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter on November 11, 2021.

kking@medicinehatnews.com

Medicine Hat’s seventh annual Pet Walk will be taking place Saturday in Kin Coulee Park. The event is hosted by Medicine Hat Women’s Shelter Society and the Medicine Hat SPCA in recognition of Family Violence Prevention Month.

“This annual event highlights the impact family violence has on pets,” MHWSS stated in an Oct. 27 release.

“Family violence doesn’t just hurt people. Violence and the threat of violence against pets are a common way those who are abusive maintain power and control, and prevent victims from leaving,” MHWSS stated.

A 2018 Canadian study found that “89% of women whose pets were threatened or mistreated by their abuser delayed leaving because they could not bring their pets with them to a shelter.”

Since 2018, MHWSS and the Alberta SPCA have been working together to shelter pets who belong victims of abuse as part of their Pet Safekeeping Program. MHWSS reports that there has been a gradual increase in the number of individuals and families referred to the program since its establishment. Organizers hope that Saturday’s Pet Walk will raise awareness about the program, as well as the issue of family violence.

The walk begins at 1 p.m. at the base of the Kin Coulee Park toboggan hill and will circle the park before concluding at the Pheonix Safe House mural.

Participants are invited to bring their pets and encouraged to dress in purple. Organizers ask that participants wear masks and remain socially distanced.

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