New domestic violence laws to protect at risk pets from being killed

New domestic violence laws to protect at-risk pets from being killed came into force this weekend, giving beloved cats and dogs protection under AVOs.

Cindy Easterbrook remembers one of the first cats she helped rescue from a household gripped by domestic violence.

An abusive partner was threatening to kill the cat if its owner ever left him.

“When we got (the cat), she had cigarette burns on her and no whiskers,” Ms Easterbrook, manager of Hills Cat Rescue, said. “They’d been singed or cut off.”

The physical harm or threat of harm to pets is recognised a form of coercive control, used by violent offenders as a way of intimidating their victims.

The RSPCA said it receives at least one call a week from victims asking for help to care for their animal so it’s out of harm’s way and while they can escape a violent environment.

But from Saturday, new laws come into effect that make the prohibition of harm to animals a standard condition on all apprehended domestic violence orders (ADVOs) in NSW.

Cindy Easterbrook pictured with the cats she rescues from homes where domestic violence is prevalent. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

The offence of intimidation has also been amended to recognise the harm or threat of harm to animals as a form of intimidation. The existing offence attracts a maximum five year jail term.

That means an abusive partner or relative can now be charged for using a pet as a tool to leave their victim in fear.

“The cruelty and manipulation can leave victims terrified of the consequences for their beloved animals and therefore delay or prevent them from leaving a violent situation,” Attorney-General Mark Speakman said.

Attorney-General Mark Speakman says domestic violence offenders used animals to coerce and control victims. Pic: Joel Carrett

“These reforms aim to help guard against this abhorrent form of abuse.”

Ms Easterbrook, 53 started her volunteer cat shelter in Sydney two years ago and has since taken in about a dozen “domestic violence cats”.

Many of those are being cared for by foster carers but Ms Easterbook said reuniting the cats with their owners is the ultimate goal.

“We have two cats at the moment that are the result of a someone telling their loved one: ‘If you don’t come back to me, I’m going to kill your cats’,” she said.

“People do stay in violent relationships because they are worried what will happen to their pet.

“I think it is a lot more prevalent than people would realise. That’s why we are trying to get the word out to people that we can help take care of them.”

Ms Easterbrook started her volunteer cat shelter in Sydney two years ago. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

Cindy Easterbrook rescues pets from violent situations. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

However, she was reluctant to reveal exactly how she discreetly rescues the cats, not wanting to alert offenders to her methodology.

“You can’t be awake or at home all the time,” she hinted. “We find a way to safely sneak them out.”

A recent grant from the Pets and Animals Welfare Support Program has allowed Ms Easterbrook to invest in a desexing and vaccination program and boost the charity’s capacity to care for animals.

But the organisation is run by volunteers and more foster carers were needed.

“It’s not that difficult to do and you could save a life doing it,” she said.

RSPCA NSW chief executive officer Steve Coleman said pets rescued from violent situations were often cared for by foster carers until the owner was ready for them to return.

“I would struggle to explain in words what that is like, that reconnection,” he said.

“It’s so sad but so happy at the same time. That is the one thing that gives some victims some normality, these animals.”