FARGO - Victims of domestic abuse have a new resource when deciding whether to leave abusive situations.
Several Fargo-Moorhead area organizations have collaborated to create the Safe Paws program - a foster network to house victims' pets while they receive assistance in fleeing domestic abuse situations.
The FM Humane Society, YWCA Cass Clay and the Rape and Abuse Crisis Center, along with other supporters, have launched the program to fill a need they had seen as domestic abuse victims sought help.
Officials said pets are commonly used to intimidate, threaten or demonstrate power over victims, which could prevent the victim from leaving the hostile situation.
The Safe Paws program offers a safe environment for the pets, while the victims receive the assistance they need.
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Officials are looking for volunteers to become foster families for the pets.
Information on the Safe Paws program can be found online at www.f-mhumanesociety.org , or by calling the FM Humane Society at (701) 239-0077.
For more on this story, read Thursday's edition of The Forum.
