Author of the Florida Animal Cruelty Law seeks to help victims of domestic violence get pets.
PONS INLET, Florida. “Now the author of Ponce’s Law is taking his mission to protect animals to the next level.
The Ponce Act is a bill that was passed in 2018 after a black Labrador puppy was fatally beaten in 2017. The law increases the chances of animal abusers going to jail and allows a judge to bar a person convicted of animal cruelty from owning a pet.
Ponce’s Law writer Debbie Darino said she has noticed an increase in the need for help caring for animals, whether or not they have been victims of animal cruelty. To help all animals, she now creates her own non-profit organization The Ponce Animal Foundation, Inc.
“Our mission is to help take care of animals that need veterinary care, medical expenses and emergency care,” Darino said.
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This non-profit organization is for all animals, regardless of their status, and Darino has big plans for her organization.
“What I plan to do is set up a nursery at a domestic violence shelter,” Darino said. “What they will do is they will have a little doggie door and the kennel will disappear. This way, the owner can take their pet with them and not have to worry about leaving it at home and being killed or injured or left in such a cruel situation.”
Thanks to donations, Darino plans to build three nurseries at The Beacon Center in Daytona Beach. The Beacon Center is an organization that provides services to women and children who have experienced domestic violence.
Beacon Center CEO Angie Pai said that sometimes victims of abuse have to seek help or leave their pets if the shelter cannot accept them.
“Many people will not leave their home if they have to leave their animal, and the perpetrator will definitely use that animal to bring the victim back home by threatening the animal and threatening to harm it,” Pai said.
The kennels that Darino plans to build will be connected to living quarters at The Beacon Center.
Pai said the added feature would be very helpful for residents who bring their pets to the shelter.
“Being able to take this pet with you to his living space and get the same comfort and emotional support from this pet will just really kickstart the healing process and give them some peace of mind,” Pai said.
For more information about Ponce Animal Foundation Inc. or make a donation, click here.
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