By Melissa Devlin | Manager, Annual Donor Relations & Engagement
Thank you for your ongoing support as we continue to work for change, to better protect companion animals in our country.
One of the heartbreaking issues affecting our furry companions is being used as a form of coercive control in abusive situations. Coercive control is a pattern of behaviours that is intended to isolate, humiliate, exploit or dominate a person. It extends beyond intimate partner and family violence, although that is where it is most often seen.
Sadly, companion animals are made extremely vulnerable because they are often used as a tool to further coerce, control, and intimidate. Threats of violence against the animal, actual violence to the animal, and withholding food or veterinary care are common ways in which a perpetrator forces their victim into staying silent, submitting to further abuse, and/or preventing them from leaving, or forcing them to return.
Legislation looking to criminalize coercive and controlling conduct in Canada is currently underway, however, Bill C-332, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (controlling or coercive conduct), made no attempts to criminalize the use of animals as a tool of coercive control in its initial draft.
Humane Canada has met with key government stakeholders to make amendments to the bill, highlighting the need for animals to be included in this legislation. Companion animals are considered family members and a primary source of emotional support. They are equally vulnerable to violence in the home and the danger of exploitation of their bond with the victim.
We need your help to ensure that parliamentarians see this dangerous link that leaves both people and their beloved animals at risk of violence. Lend your voice and stand with Humane Canada by ensuring that animals are included in coercive control legislation.
Your voice, support, and donations make a difference. Thank you!
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