Domestic Violence and Cruelty to Animals:
The Story of Reds

This is the story of Reds, a brave eight-year old dog who became not only the victim of animal cruelty, but also a casualty of domestic violence. While this is just one story, it is an all too familiar tale…

An abusive husband comes home drunk and begins arguing with his wife. He knocks her to the floor and pins her down. Reds, the family dog, attempts to stop the violence by biting at the husband’s legs. The husband pulls out a pocket knife and slashes the dog’s chin. Another family member steps in, and Reds is rushed to the vet, requiring 20 stitches to close the wound.

Time passes, and the husband is on probation for assaulting a police officer and also serving a concurrent probation period for assaulting another woman. Since the initial incident, he has been arrested three times for assaulting his wife, yet each time the cases are dismissed.

One evening, the husband again comes home intoxicated and again begins arguing with his wife. He grabs her from behind, holds a knife to her throat and is threatening to kill her. She struggles to grab a nearby bottle, and he slashes her neck as she strikes him with the bottle. Reds again attempts to intervene by growling and barking at the husband. The wife finally breaks free and calls the police. While she is on the phone, the husband is slashing and stabbing the dog, but flees from the house before the police arrive. Reds is rushed to the vet with multiple stab wounds and internal injuries. The following day Reds dies.

One prior incident of stabbing the dog, two probations, three previous arrests – a total of five failed opportunities for intervention that could have helped the victim find safety and saved Reds’ life.

The violence must stop. We can help.
Please call the Washington Humane Society
202-BE HUMANE (234-8626)

Domestic Violence and Cruelty to Animals
Important Contacts
Victim Specific Information
Helping a Victim of Domestic Violence
The Story of Reds
An Angel in Distress