Link between animal abuse and partner violence part of B.C. police course
New training for police officers in B.C. is helping to bridge the gap between intimate partner violence (IPV) and the impact it can have on animals.
According to a news release on Monday from the B.C. SPCA, the B.C. Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General has launched an online course that’s meant to help officers identify the risks of domestic violence, such as the perpetrators’ behaviour towards animals.
“The link between animal abuse and domestic violence has been well documented,” Louise Lathey of the B.C. SPCA’s prevention and enforcement department said in the press release.
In addition to the training course, animal abuse factors will also be added as a risk identification tool for officers to use when conducting an investigation of a domestic violence call.
“It’s important for us to look at situations holistically and you can’t address animal issues without looking at the whole picture of how humans interact with animals,” Lathey said.
The SPCA also provides free emergency pet boarding for those fleeing from unsafe home environments and is in the process of developing an expanded foster network to care for pets of those who are seeking to leave a violent relationship.
“Responding to IPV is a shared responsibility across the province, public health, and social and community sectors, and it’s important that we work together to ensure survivors receive the care they deserve,” said Mike Farnworth, minister of public safety and solicitor general, in the press release.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Western University researchers unlock potential 'cure' for ALS
New research out of London, Ont.'s Western University is shedding light on a potential cure for ALS, in which the targeting of the interaction between two proteins can halt or fully reverse the disease's progression.
Police release 3D images of young child found in an Ontario river two years ago
Police have released a three-dimensional image of a young child whose remains were discovered in the Grand River in Dunnville, Ont. almost two years ago.
B.C. brings in law on name changes on day that child killer's new identity revealed
The BC NDP have tabled legislation aimed at stopping people who have committed certain heinous acts from changing their names.
Kamala Harris drops F-bomb during White House live-stream
U.S. Vice-President Kamala Harris used a profanity on Monday while offering advice to young Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders about how to break through barriers.
B.C. man fighting for refund after finding someone living at Whistler vacation rental
Edwin Mostered spent thousands of dollars booking a vacation home in Whistler, B.C., for a group skiing trip earlier this year – or so he thought.
Avs forward Valeri Nichushkin suspended at least six months
Colorado Avalanche forward Valeri Nichushkin was suspended for at least six months without pay and placed in Stage 3 of the league's player assistance program.
Collapsed Baltimore bridge span comes down with a boom after crews set off chain of explosives
Crews conducted a controlled demolition Monday to break down the largest remaining span of the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore.
Security video caught admitted serial killer disposing of bodies in Winnipeg garbage bins
Security video caught admitted serial killer Jeremy Skibicki on multiple late-night outings, disposing of body parts in nearby garbage bins and dumpsters in the middle of the night.
Mortgage companies could intensify the next recession, U.S. officials warn
U.S. officials worry the next recession could be intensified by a cascading series of failures in the mortgage industry caused by crashing home prices, frozen financial markets and soaring delinquencies.