Pets and Domestic Violence

Warning: This programme contains some upsetting scenes and violence
The abuse victims too scared to leave violent relationships because they're worried their pets will be maimed or killed. Domestic abuse charities have told 5 live Investigates they've received thousands of reports about violent men who target animals as a way of controlling their partners. There were 700 calls about animal cruelty to the National Domestic Abuse helpline last year alone. It comes at a time when referrals, prosecutions and convictions for domestic violence have risen to their highest ever levels.