A LOCAL charity has been inundated with requests for pet foster placements from women and their children escaping domestic violence.

Some women are so fearful for their pets' safety if they leave that they have put themselves at risk by remaining in the family home.

Now Paws for Kids, a Bolton-based charity, is making an appeal for animal lovers to come forward and offer to foster dogs and cats.

A letter received from a woman who used the service explained the pressure.

"My ex-partner threatened to kill all our animals if we left. I know for certain he would have as in one case I believe he did, but it could never be proved. He beat my son's dog in a rage and she was only trying to protect us. I tried to stop him so he beat me instead."

In its first 12 months the organisation has saved 108 animals and helped 64 women and 105 children get out of violent homes and into safe refuge. Development officer Mandy Knott said: "Last year the summer period caused us major problems. All our animals are fostered in volunteers' homes.

"If they go on holiday we have to find 'holiday placements' for the animals.

"This reduces the overall number of animals we can take in and inevitably leaves some families remaining in violent situations rather than lose their pets.

"If we had more foster carers for dogs and cats this would help take the pressure off."

Anyone interested in fostering a cat or dog for Paws for Kids can get an information pack with more details. Ring Bolton 698999 during office hours.