Service Learning

                            Service Learning Proposal

1)      On-Line petition for Animal Safe House. Kathy S., Gerri J., Jenna B., Will W., Carol R., Elizabeth V.

2)      Animal Safe House of Brevard is a non-profit organization that temporarily houses pets, through foster care, that belong to women that are victims of domestic violence. “50% of women do not leave abusive situations for fear her pet will be injured or killed” (“Animal Safe House”).  In addition to providing foster homes they also pay for the care of the pet while there and also assist in reuniting the pet with their family. This is an important part in helping women get away from abusive situations because they will not have to leave their pets behind. Animal Safe House biggest need is funding. They are also in need of supplies such as food, blankets etc. and vet services. They are currently focusing on changing the laws that define domestic violence to include the animals making it easier for legal action.

3)      The principal need currently for Animal Safe House is to obtain 7000 signatures on a petition for a Bill to change the definition of domestic violence. This Bill was originally introduced last July but was unable to obtain the support to move it through.  Animal Safe House is a proponent of this Bill and the impact it will have on what they do. The Bill, SB 288 states “Domestic Violence Against Family Pets; Providing that a court may issue an injunction for protection against domestic violence granting the petitioner the exclusive care, custody, or control of any animal owned, possessed, leased, kept, or held by the petitioner, the respondent, or a minor child residing in the residence or household of the petitioner or respondent; providing that it is a first-degree misdemeanor for a person to willfully violate an injunction for protection against domestic violence by knowingly and intentionally injuring or threatening to injure any animal owned, possessed, leased, kept, or held by the petitioner, the respondent, or a minor child of the petitioner or respondent; providing criminal penalties, etc.”. Twenty one states have already passed this type of legislation we need to step up and help Florida understand its importance. The American Humane Society tells us the many reasons this piece of legislation is important “71% of pet-owning women entering women’s shelters reported that their batterer had injured, maimed, killed or threatened family pets for revenge or to psychologically control victims; 32% reported their children had hurt or killed animals. 68% of battered women reported violence towards their animals. 87% of these incidents occurred in the presence of the women, and 75% in the presence of the children, to psychologically control and coerce them. 13% of intentional animal abuse cases involve domestic violence. Between 25% and 40% of battered women are unable to escape abusive situations because they worry about what will happen to their pets or livestock should they leave. Pets may suffer unexplained injuries, health problems, permanent disabilities at the hands of abusers, or disappear from home. Abusers kill, harm, or threaten children’s pets to coerce them into sexual abuse or to force them to remain silent about abuse. Disturbed children kill or harm animals to emulate their parents’ conduct, to prevent the abuser from killing the pet, or to take out their aggressions on another victim. In one study, 70% of animal abusers also had records for other crimes. Domestic violence victims whose animals were abused saw the animal cruelty as one more violent episode in a long history of indiscriminate violence aimed at them and their vulnerability. Investigation of animal abuse is often the first point of social services intervention for a family in trouble. For many battered women, pets are sources of comfort providing strong emotional support: 98% of Americans consider pets to be companions or members of the family. Animal cruelty problems are people problems. When animals are abused, people are at risk.

           Our group will put together a petition drive with a goal of 7000 signatures. In order to accomplish this goal we will reach out to both the UCF community and the surrounding areas by tabling with both information and an opportunity to sign the petition. To bring awareness we will be able to explain the Bill and its importance. The petition directed to Governor Scott, Florida House and Florida Senate is imperative to send our message to Tallahassee and bring the Bill to their floors. Also by learning and sharing the inspiration for this Bill, Horatio. Horatio was beaten until his skull was crushed by the son of his owner. Horatio lay over his owner and took the blows for her. This shows the unconditional love and dedication that pets bring to our lives. (Horatio has some lasting effects from the beating but has a new home and is alive and doing well.) We will start by compiling a list of places to table like campus, the Dog Park and Publix. Also we have a QR code so we will be able to post flyers in places we deem appropriate. We will also use social media to spread our targets to statewide signees. We would like to start by tabling on February 23 at the campus engagement. Then by the first week of March have a schedule of tabling days, both on and off campus, set. Also have a weekly update to see where we stand on signatures. By February 28 compile a list and divide it up of places to hang the fliers with the QR code. Of course these dates are only tentative and more activities will be added.

Word Count :932

Works Cited

Animal Safehouse Brevard. Animal Safehouse Brevard. Web. 15 Feb. 2012. <http://www.animalsafehousebrevard.org/>.

"Facts About Animal Abuse and Domestic Violence." American Humane Association. American Humane Association, 2011. Web. 15 Feb. 2012. <http://www.americanhumane.org/interaction/support-the-bond/fact-sheets/animal-abuse-domestic-violence.html>.

Fasano, Mike. "Senate Bill 0288 (2012) - The Florida Senate." The Florida Senate - The Florida Senate. Florida Senate. Web. 15 Feb. 2012. <http://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2012/288>.

Michael, Melanie. "Horatio's Law: A Domestic Violence Law for Pets | Wtsp.com." Tampa Bay Fl News | Connect to 10 News in Tampa, Sarasota, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Florida | WTSP.com | Home. WTSP Tampa News 10, 13 Jan. 2012. Web. 15 Feb. 2012. <http://www.wtsp.com/news/article/231960/250/Domestic-violence-law-for-pets-It-could-happen>.