Demand for help with dogs by people fleeing domestic abuse is "higher than ever", a charity has said.
The Dogs Trust is "urgently" appealing for more volunteers to support its fostering efforts.
Referrals to the charity's specialist domestic abuse service, called Freedom, have doubled in the past five years.
Freedom Manager at Dogs Trust, Laura Saunders said: "Sadly, too often we see cases where perpetrators of domestic abuse have used dogs as tools of coercion and control, often threatening or harming them to exert power. "
Freedom offers temporary foster care for dogs, giving owners the ability to leave a domestic abuse situation without leaving their pet behind.
The service was established two decades ago, in response to growing evidence between domestic and animal abuse as well as the lack of pet-friendly accommodation.
Volunteer foster carers receive full support from the charity including all expenses covered, necessary pet supplies and veterinary care.
Article continues at https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c2072147y3eo
Info at https://www.dogstrustfreedom.org.uk/