Studies show strong connection between domestic violence and animal abuse

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) - October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and Lexington-Fayette Animal Care and Control says domestic violence can often include a victim’s beloved pet.

Studies show there is a strong connection between intimate partner violence and animal abuse.

Lexington-Fayette Animal Care and Control said they’ve personally been involved in six of these cases in the last decade, where animals were used as tools to control or manipulate a victim in the case of domestic violence.

“We’ve had animals come in that have been kicked, thrown up against a wall, shot, stabbed and killed because of domestic violence situations,” said Lt. Jai Hamilton with Lexington-Fayette Animal Care and Control.

Domestic violence can happen to anyone at any time. It knows no boundaries.

“We want