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New women's crisis center to include pet shelter

  • BY SONNY LONG - SLONG@VICAD.COM
  • Originally published December 12, 2009 at 4:57 p.m., updated December 13, 2009 at 11:30 p.m.

  • HOW TO HELP

    To learn more about the Women's Crisis Center and how to donate to the Mid-Coast Family Services capital campaign to build a new facility that will include a pet shelter, go to www.victoriaadvocate.com and click on the ...

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    • HOW TO HELP

    To learn more about the Women's Crisis Center and how to donate to the Mid-Coast Family Services capital campaign to build a new facility that will include a pet shelter, go to www.victoriaadvocate.com and click on the story or call 361-575-7842 for more information.

    SCOOP YOUR POOP IN CUERO

    The Cuero City Council recently passed an ordinance requiring pet owners to "promptly and sanitarily remove and dispose of" waste material left by their pets on public or private property. This includes public sidewalks, streets and recreation areas.

    Violation of the ordinance is a Class C misdemeanor that carries a fine of up to $500.

Victims of domestic violence often include more than a spouse or children.

Pets are often in danger, too.

Some women refuse to leave violent relationships to not only try and protect children, but pets as well. Because of this, the Women's Crisis Center in Victoria is adding a pet shelter to its new building plans.

"It's a heartbreaking fact that in years past, we have had victims of domestic violence refuse to seek shelter because we were not able to accommodate their pets," said Jo Janssen, director of development at Mid-Coast Family Services that operates the women's shelter.

"Many of those who have left pets behind have told horror stories of animal abuse and death. This is terribly traumatic for these victims and leaves horrible scars, especially on the children," Janssen said.

The Women's Crisis Center has formed a partnership with the American Humane Association to take part in the pets and women's shelter program (PAWS).

The American Humane Association has awarded the center a $2,500 grant to help get the PAWS program started in Victoria.

A new $2 million center is being built on seven acres of land in central Victoria with an anticipated opening by the end of 2010.

The center, both the current and new facility, is also the base of operations for a crisis hotline that is answered 24-hours a day. The center's staff also provides individual and group counseling, legal advocacy, transportation and referrals for jobs, housing and health care.

Janssen explained that the center will be working with area veterinarians, no-kill animal shelters, the Dorothy H. O'Connor Pet Adoption Center and Adopt-A-Pet to implement and maintain the program. The program in Victoria will be the third in Texas.

"It would be irresponsible of us not to find a way to save these most helpless family members," said Janssen. "We are thrilled to have the opportunity to rescue all victims from abusive homes, easing our clients hearts and minds as they try to focus on healing and building a fresh start."