Police funding will help protect more people and pets from domestic abuse

Devon and Cornwall Police has given funding to a charity which helps protect people and their pets.

Refuge4Pets applied for a donation from the Proceeds of Crime Act fund (POCA) which seizes cash and assets from criminals and hands them over to community groups and good causes. 

The charity team - Tami, Terri, Vicki, Kelly, Rhi, Anne-Marie with Rufus the dog

Refuge4Pets provides a specialist animal fostering service across Devon and Cornwall to victim-survivors of domestic abuse so they, and their much-loved animals, can leave harm and be safe.

Often individuals and families escaping domestic abuse are unable to take their animals with them, as most temporary accommodation does not allow pets. In many cases, this will stop people from leaving their abusive partner and some perpetrators will use defenceless animals to gain control over a victim.

The Devon and Cornwall Police Force has handed over £2,000 which will help towards more training sessions to benefit victims.

CEO of Refuge4Pets, Mary Wakeham, explained: “We provide training and resources to a range of professionals to help them to understand the link between domestic abuse and animal abuse and how to promote the safety of all victim-survivors of domestic abuse – humans and animals. This fantastic donation will help us to train more people to help those in need.

“We are always looking for mover volunteer animal foster carers so if you have time to spare please get in touch. We cover the cost of everything including vet treatment.”

Since it started in 2017 the charity has supported 382 families, arranged for 656 animals to be fostered, reunited 479 animals with their families and given professional training to almost 7,500 people. The patron of the charity is broadcaster and journalist Dame Jenni Murray, who presented Woman’s Hour on BBC Radio 4 for many years.  

To contact Refuge4Pets please call 0300 4000 121 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

If you wish to report domestic abuse to Devon & Cornwall Police please call 101 or report via the Devon and Cornwall Police website: Advice about domestic abuse | Devon & Cornwall Police (devon-cornwall.police.uk)

Victims can also access important information online www.victimcare-dc.org