LIHU‘E — Innocent creatures sometimes bear the brunt of violent human behavior, often getting caught in the middle of abusive situations, says Kaua‘i Humane Society Executive Director Becky Rhoades. To find a solution for all members of the family, Kaua‘i
LIHU‘E — Innocent creatures sometimes bear the brunt of violent human behavior, often getting caught in the middle of abusive situations, says Kaua‘i Humane Society Executive Director Becky Rhoades.
To find a solution for all members of the family, Kaua‘i Humane Society has implemented a program in correlation with the Young Women’s Christian Association of Kaua‘i to help battered woman and their beloved animals safely leave a potentially detrimental situation.
“It’s not uncommon to see animals threatened or abused to intimidate victims of violence,” Rhoades said Wednesday, citing an example of a German Shepherd named Titan who was hung from a tree at Hanama‘ulu Beach Park in 2003 — reportedly by the owner’s ex-boyfriend, though the case was never officially solved.
Up to 75 percent of domestic violence victims report that their partners have threatened or killed their family pets and some 18 to 48 percent of battered women delay leaving abusive situations because they fear for their pets’ safety, according to the Spring Kaua‘i Humane Society newsletter.
The YWCA has a family violence shelter where women and children are able to escape a harmful situation, but often don’t because they are concerned about leaving their pets behind, said Renae Hamilton, executive director of YWCA.
As a solution, the Kaua‘i Humane Society rescues animals at the request of those staying at a YWCA shelter and offers “pet foster care” at no charge to victims.
“The program has made a tremendous difference … it’s a wonderful partnership,” Hamilton said, adding that she has recently seen a rise in the number of calls and restraining orders placed on the island.
“We need to create better laws to protect the whole family; humans and animals,” Rhoades said, who has been behind the passing of House Bill 1512, which extends the issuance of temporary restraining orders to include family pets.
Not only does Rhoades anticipate Gov. Linda Lingle’s final approval of HB 1512, she also hopes Senate Bill 1222 —which broadens animal cruelty laws, including the confinement of a pet animal in a cruel or inhumane manner and tethering of dogs to stationary objects using a chain, choke, pinch or prong collars for prolonged periods of time — will garner Lingle’s signature as well.
The bills are set to by passed by mid-June, according to Rhoades.
When asked how Kaua‘i County will assist in enforcing the laws, Beth Tokioka, executive assistant to Mayor Bernard Carvalho, Jr., said they will “enforce as required” under the county’s “jurisdictional authority.”
“On Kaua‘i, we are fortunate to have a proactive organization in the Kaua‘i Humane Society, which undertakes educational efforts to prevent cruelty and assists individuals and families in creating a healthy and happy living environment for pets of all kinds,” she said.
On June 25, at 10 a.m. in the main conference room at Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative, the public is invited to become a part of a new coalition of concerned Kaua‘i residents against domestic violence. For more information call 245-5959.
To reach the 24-hour YWCA violence shelter hotline call 245-6362.
For more information on HB 1512 and SB 1222 visit www.capitol.hawaii.gov
