New law protecting animals from domestic abusers is a ‘game changer’

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN)- A Lincoln organization called ShelterMe Nebraska works to care for the pets of domestic violence survivors until they find a safe relocation.

Sam Franklin, the president of ShelterMe Nebraska, has worked for nearly a decade to make sure survivors can take their pets with them when they leave a domestic violence situation, and can also be reunited with their pet if they are separated.

“This bill is a huge help to us, and all of the victims everywhere,” said Franklin.

Now, pets will be included in protection orders, protecting victims from feeling the need to go back and get their pet when leaving their abuser.

Franklin said survivors will also be able to move into a “nice, safe, healthy, happy home and they have these protection orders in place, their pets are going to be protected from those abusers being able to grab those pets and use them to coerce the victims into returning again.”

ShelterMe began as just a foster care system for pets while their owners found safe housing, but have also added emergency hotel services for pets and survivors, as well as an aftercare program to provide care for the pets.

“Sixty-five percent refuse to leave the abuse without their pets, 50% in the shelters have left the abuse and the pets with their abuser, and 25% of those have returned because their abuser has used their pets to get them to return,” said Franklin.

This law will now prevent this fear, explicitly adding the option for the victim to have full custody and control of any household pets. It would also prohibit the alleged abuser from coming into contact with or harming any other household pets.

Franklin added it “makes a huge difference, its a game changer.”

ShelterMe Nebraska is accepting applications for foster homes for these pets and Franklin says anyone can help.