Group To Create LI's First Pet-Friendly Domestic Violence Shelter

CENTRAL ISLIP, NY - The L.I. Against Domestic Violence recently announced they will be constructing Long Island's first pet-friendly domestic violence shelter. The expansion of the currently shelter will make it the first of its kind in the area which will not only accept a survivor of domestic violence, but their pet as well.

According to the Central Islip based-organization, Suffolk Police responded to a total of 2,482 calls for domestic-related assaults in the county within the first eight months of 2019. During these calls, police reported that some of the victims refused to use shelter housing because they were not allowed to bring their pet. Since they were not allowed to bring their pet, the victims feared for the animal’s safety.

"For 11 years in my marriage I dealt with physical, verbal and emotional abuse but the worse part was the threat against my dogs," Mandi Reynolds, a domestic abuse survivor, said during a press conference. "My ex-husband knew that he had that power over me, that I would never leave or do anything because of my dog."

While an exact opening date has not yet been announced, once it is complete, the shelter will be able to host up to six dogs and four cats. The project is expected to be completed sometime before the holidays.

"The organization has helped hundreds of pets gain safety by working with local animal organizations and rescue groups to foster pets when a victim of domestic violence enters our shelter or goes to stay with a family member or friend where a pet cannot be accommodated," Colleen Merlo, Executive Director of L.I. Against Domestic Violence said. "But this option still leaves many victims of violence and pets in harm’s way and it’s not best practice for the human or the pet to be separated, especially immediately after a traumatic event."