Jacquie Petrusma,Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence
The Tasmanian Government recognises that pet owners often face additional challenges when trying to leave abusive relationships, and threats to harm pets can form part of a perpetrator’s pattern of behaviour.
Concern for the welfare of pets when leaving relationships extends to a variety of animals, not only cats and dogs, but also to animals such as rabbits, horses and sheep.
Support for people with pets is available through the Tasmanian Government’s Flexible Support Program, which is providing flexible and responsive practical support for people affected by family violence.
The Tasmanian Government launched this program in 2021, which provides up to $6,000 for victim-survivors of family violence for practical supports to enhance safety and wellbeing when leaving an abusive relationship.
In 2022-23 we will provide continued funding of $330,000 to support this valued program.
In addition, under the new National Partnership on Family, Domestic and Sexual Violence Responses 2021-23, we will fund the RSPCA $100,000 to pilot the Safe Beds Program which will establish a coordinated network of safe bed providers and fund safe bed places for pets in at-risk situations, including family violence and homelessness.
Our pets are part of our families, and many of us rely on them for emotional support during difficult times.
This is why this Government is continuing to support the Flexible Support Packages and the RSPCA with funding to ensure the wellbeing of victim-survivors and their pets in escaping family violence.
