AKC® Humane Fund Launches Crowdfunding Campaign To Support Domestic Violence Shelters

NEW YORK, Oct. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In support of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the AKC^® Humane Fund has launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise money to support domestic violence shelters that need the financial means to accept victims and their pets.

• Did you know that in a nationwide study, more than 71 percent of battered women reported that their abusers had harmed, killed or threatened animals?
• And did you know that between 71 and 85 percent of women entering domestic violence shelters have reported that their partner had threatened, injured or killed the family pet?
• Did you also know that twelve independent surveys have reported that between 18 and 48 percent of battered women have delayed their decision to leave their batterer, or have returned to their batterer, out of fear for the welfare of their pets?

"We, at the AKC Humane Fund, believe that victims of domestic violence should always be able to find a safe haven with their pet," said Doug Ljungren, President and CEO of the AKC Humane Fund. "It is important to assist shelters in being able to accept pets and let victims know that when it comes to their safety, it does not have to be a choice."

Each donation made to the AKC Humane Fund is tax deductible. Gifts of $1000 or more will be recognized with a plaque on the Founding Members wall located at The American Kennel Club Headquarters in New York City. Contributions may also honor a family member, friend or dog.

To learn more about the campaign, please go to www.akc.org/humanefund/

The AKC Humane Fund, Inc. unites animal lovers in promoting the joy and value of responsible pet ownership through education, outreach and grant-making. The Fund provides financial grants to domestic violence shelters and Breed Rescue organizations and awards scholarships to students pursuing professions that strengthen the human-animal bond. The AKC Humane Fund's Awards for Canine Excellence are given each year to promote the important role dogs play in our lives. Contributions to the AKC Humane Fund are fully tax deductible as allowed by law under Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Code. For more information, visit www.akchumanefund.org.

The American Kennel Club
Founded in 1884, the American Kennel Club is a not-for-profit organization which maintains the largest registry of purebred dogs in the world and oversees the sport of purebred dogs in the United States. The AKC is dedicated to upholding the integrity of its registry, promoting the sport of purebred dogs and breeding for type and function.  Along with its more than 5,000 licensed and member clubs and its affiliated organizations, the AKC advocates for the purebred dog as a family companion, advances canine health and well-being, works to protect the rights of all dog owners and promotes responsible dog ownership. More than 22,000 competitions for AKC-registered purebred dogs are held under AKC rules and regulations each year including conformation, agility, obedience, rally, tracking, herding, lure coursing, coonhound events, hunt tests, field and earthdog tests. Affiliate AKC organizations include the AKC Humane Fund, AKC Canine Health Foundation, AKC Reunite and the AKC Museum of the Dog.  For more information, visit www.akc.org.

AKC, American Kennel Club, the American Kennel Club seal and design, and all associated marks and logos are trademarks, registered trademarks and service marks of The American Kennel Club, Inc.

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SOURCE AKC Humane Fund

Related Links

http://www.akchumanefund.org