Second Chance Animal Rescue (SCAR) is looking for support to continue safely housing the pets of people escaping domestic and family violence situations.
SCAR’s Safe House for Pets Program assists people escaping harmful and violent situations by giving them somewhere to safely look after their pets while they seek refuge.
Research by the Australian Institute of Criminology (AIC) reported that one third of women surveyed delayed leaving a violent home for fear of their pet’s lives. Currently only three per cent of domestic violence shelters in Australia accept animals.
Marisa Debattista, SCAR founder and CEO, said funding is hard to come by and donations have decreased over the COVID pandemic.
“We are receiving calls daily asking for help and we try to never turn away any pet owners needing help, but Second Chance is struggling every day to make ends meet and we are looking for a miracle.”
SCAR was founded in 2008 by Debattista when she realised too many cats and dogs were being euthanised simply because pounds and shelters didn’t have the space to keep them.
The shelter in Craigieburn rescues animals due to be put to sleep and offers them a second chance at finding their forever homes. The facility also offers affordable veterinary care, and free pet food and medical care to the pets of people struggling financially.
To support Second Chance, please visit their website secondchanceanimalrescue.com.au