Stories

Keeping Animals #SafeFromHarm

For many people, their pet is another member of the family. You love them, take care of them, and find comfort in being around them- you couldn’t imagine anything bad ever happening to them. You especially could never imagine doing anything to hurt them yourself. 

As we explore the different forms of abuse and our nonprofit partners who are fighting to keep our community #SafeFromHarm this month, it is important that we open our eyes to the reality of animal abuse.

Abusers do not discriminate. In fact, data has shown that there is a large correlation between individuals who abuse their significant others or children and those who abuse animals. One survey found  71% of domestic violence victims reported that their abuser also targeted pets, and another revealed that pet abuse had occurred in 88% of families under investigation for child abuse. 

This correlation is not something that can be ignored and often plays a big part in why a victim may stay in an abusive household- to protect their companion animals from harm’s way. (For more information on animal cruelty, click here.) 

It is estimated that nearly one million animals are abused, neglected, or killed every year in domestic violence cases across America. While there are organizations that are making strides towards protecting animals by creating harsher punishment for animal abuse on a National scale, just as important are the local Charlotte nonprofits who are working hard to keep animals #SafeFromHarm right here in our own backyard. 

Nonprofits such as the Greater Charlotte SPCA, the Humane Society of Charlotte, and the Shelter Pet Enrichment Fund (and many more) are doing their part to bring animal abuse and cruelty numbers down in Mecklenburg county. 

The Greater Charlotte SPCA’s goal is to promote the adoption of homeless animals, educate the public about humane and responsible pet ownership, and reduce pet overpopulation through spay/neuter programs. In 2017 alone they saved over 1,100 animals. The work they do to care for the well being of animals in the Charlotte area is incredible AND incredibly generous - with no paid staff , 94% of their funds go directly to caring for the animals they save. 

The Humane Society of Charlotte is committed to improving the lives of companion animals through adoption, spay/neuter and education. Their vision is for all companion animals to one day live in a community full of care and compassion without the threat of being unwanted. This organization is a private, 501(c)3 and is not affiliated with any national animal welfare agencies and does not receive any federal, state, or local government support which means that the thousands of people and their pets who receive services from The Humane Society of Charlotte are able to get the care they need due to the generosity of local animal lovers.

The Shelter Pet Enrichment Fund’s purpose is to serve as CMPD Animal Care & Control's 501(c)3 partner. Their mission is to fund initiatives to ensure the health and well-being of animals served by CMPD Animal Care and Control. They partner with the shelter to increase the live release rate and reduce the intake rate of homeless animals in Mecklenburg County. Since their inception in 2011, adoption rates have increased by 39% and the euthanasia rate has decreased by 70% and in the past year, through donations from our community, they have been able to increase the funding they provide from $4,000 to $27,000.

Along with nonprofits, businesses in Charlotte also contribute to helping keep animals #SafeFromHarm. 

This month’s #SafeFromHarm sponsor The Charlotte Relocation Guide is a perfect example. The Relocation Guide is a publication company providing current information and insight into the region for those interested in moving or relocating to the area, help the cause by providing free ads to the SPCA whenever there is availability in one of their 8 markets. 

Owners and employees of The Relocation Guide alike make strides to keep local animals #SafeFromHarm by adopting animals from shelters, often saving their lives, rather than shopping around for the perfect companion in a pet store or at a breeder. They make a conscious effort to adopt from shelters as the animals there were often once abused or neglected and have been given a second chance to be placed into loving homes where they can get the treatment they deserve as another member of the family. 

One employee even took the initiative to rescue a feral cat herself off of the streets with guidance from the owner of the company, who has done this with numerous cats over the years. She took the stray to get spayed and receive the proper shots necessary to get back in good health and the owner of the company even paid her for 50% of the costs. This act of kindness is just one example of the ways The Relocation Guide employees are making a difference and impacting the lives of our local animals. 

If you have a heart for animals, and would like to keep them #SafeFromHarm in the Charlotte area, check out our list of nonprofit partners who are geared towards protecting animals here.