 | We welcome you and your dog(s) to participate in the 1st annual Purple Paws Pet Walk on Sunday, September 24th, 2023. The event is a partnership between Adams County SPCA and YWCA Hanover’s Safe Home!
We walk to raise awareness about the link between domestic violence and animal cruelty. Let’s go for a walk to show our support to end the violence! Speak Out Against the Violence!
The Adams County SPCA is dedicated to helping both pets and people and to saving the lives of animals in the community. To that end, we have decided to partner with YWCA Hanover SafeHome for the First Annual Purple Paws Pet Walk at the Gettysburg Rec Park on September 24th from 1-3pm. Did you know that there is a strong correlation between domestic violence and animal cruelty? Years of research support that there is a direct link between acts of cruelty to animals and violence towards humans, including child abuse, domestic violence, elder abuse and other violent behavior. According to a 1997 study by Northeastern University, animal abusers are five times more likely to harm humans. Research shows that if a child is cruel to animals, it may be a sign that serious abuse or neglect has been inflicted upon the child. Children who have witnessed animal cruelty are at greater risk of becoming abusers themselves, continuing the cycle of violence. 71% of domestic violence victims reported that their abuser also abused or neglected their animals at home. More than 50% of women at domestic violence shelters report that they delayed their escape for fear that their animals would be harmed or killed.
Our community will walk to raise awareness and educate the public about the link between domestic violence and animal cruelty. There is no cost to participate, but donations are always welcome and will be split between our two organizations and we welcome sponsorships from businesses. All money raised will be evenly split between the two non-profits. YWCA Hanover SafeHome helps assist victims with housing, clothing, legal advocacy and other services. The Adams County SPCA assists with taking care of the victims’ animals, boarding, spay/neuter and vaccinations. There will also be other community organizations present who can offer various types of assistance. Thank you to our amazing sponsors! We all need to come together to show victims of domestic violence that there are people who care and who want to help – so let’s go for a walk!
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