A local animal rights group wants Chatham-Kent to know pets are the victims of domestic violence too.
The fourth annual Purple Leash Walk, put on by Chatham-Kent Animal Rescue, gets going today at noon. They want to let women in abusive relationships know they're available to take one less thing off their minds during times of transition. They'll look for shelters and places for pets to stay while families are taking care of major changes in their lives.
Joyelle Koch with the Animal Resue says often times pets hold women pack from leaving abusive relationships.
"Either they're worried about who is going to care for their pet, or maybe the abuser has made threats to their pet. So this way, it's just one thing the woman doesn't have to worry about."
Participation in the walk costs $10 and includes a purple leash for a dog to wear. Registration begins at 10:30am Sunday in the Chatham-Kent Courthouse parking lot. The walk gets underway at 12pm.
