Sheltering Animals of Abuse Victims

05/15/2026

Iowa was the only U.S. state in which animal torture was not a felony on the first offense—until now.

A new law signed by Governor Reynolds this week makes severe degrees of animal torture a felony charge on first offense. The law was inspired by Ember, a puppy who was found with significant injuries when police discovered her during a domestic violence investigation.

Read more: https://www.thegazette.com/news/state/felony-charges-for-animal-torture-signed-into-iowa-law/article_e1af3d6e-d581-48c0-b2a7-7bcd1b3eea15.html

If you are a domestic violence survivor concerned about the safety of your animals, Sheltering Animals of Abuse Victims provides a pet shelter program that serves Dane County, Wisconsin. More information at saavprogram.org

Severe cases of animal torture are now a felony on first offense in Iowa under legislation signed into law Monday by Gov. Kim Reynolds in Des Moines.

05/10/2026

Today we honor the survivors, the advocates, and the pet-loving moms who inspire us every day. 🐾💜

04/25/2026

It's World Veterinary Day! We'd like to thank all of the veterinarians out there who know that keeping animals safe means making sure their people are safe too. 🩷 We appreciate all you do to spot the signs of abuse and to raise awareness.

A special shout out to the veterinary professionals at the Dane County Humane Society who care for the animals in our shelter program for the pets of domestic abuse victims.

04/11/2026

April is Animal Cruelty Awareness Month, and we all have a role in helping to keep animals and people safe. If you witness animal cruelty or neglect, you can make a difference by reporting it to your local humane officer or law enforcement.

✅ When reporting, be sure to include:

🐾 What you saw
🐾 Who was involved
🐾 When and where it happened

You can save lives when you speak up. Given the known link between animal cruelty and human violence, reporting not only helps animals, it helps people too!

03/25/2026

Indiana gets the link! 🐾

A new state law effective July 1st increases penalties for animal abuse and neglect. Among the changes to the law include that those who abuse or neglect animals in a domestic violence situation to threaten or coerce a family member or household member can be charged with a level six felony.

Learn more in this article:

A new state law effective July 1 will increase penalties for animal abuse and neglect and remove liability for damages when someone takes a domestic animal from a motor vehicle.

03/07/2026

Congratulations to the new volunteers who completed our Sheltering Animals of Abuse Victims orientation earlier this week! We’re delighted to add three new foster homes to our network that provides temporary, confidential refuge for the pets of domestic violence survivors in Dane County, Wisconsin. Please join us in saying thank you and sending them a warm welcome! 🥳

03/01/2026

🩷 Last call to join us for our foster orientation on March 5th!

To meet the needs of domestic abuse victims, we are looking to grow our pool of foster volunteers and hosting our next foster orientation on March 5th at 5:30pm. RSVP required 48 hours in advance to attend.

Learn all of the details about how to apply to foster with us and attend the orientation at this link: https://mailchi.mp/2e0598c6bff5/saav-foster-orientation-21050930

02/21/2026

February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. 🧡

Dating violence can include threats or abuse of animals. SAAV Teen is an awareness campaign to foster compassion for animals in teenagers and give them the tools to create a more inclusive and kind world. Early detection and intervention of animal cruelty crimes may help prevent harms to people, too.

Learn more: https://www.saavprogram.org/teen

02/14/2026

This Valentine's Day, give the gift of love and safety by considering joining our foster network! 🩷

To meet the needs of domestic abuse victims, we are looking to grow our pool of foster volunteers and hosting our next foster orientation on March 5th!

Learn all of the details about how to apply to foster with us and attend the orientation at this link: https://mailchi.mp/2e0598c6bff5/saav-foster-orientation-21050930

02/03/2026

February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. 🧡

1 in 3 U.S. teens will experience physical, sexual, or emotional abuse from someone they’re in a relationship with before they become adults. The exercise of power and control may include abuse or threats of abuse of animals.

Spread the word and learn more about teen dating violence and the link with animal cruelty ➡️https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5e7f68de9327941b9445ff1f/t/60299a2499fbf859e340ed47/1613339173987/Teen+Dating+Violence+Fact+Sheet.pdf