HOUSTON – October is Domestic Violence Month and the link between that crime and pet neglect is not just an unfortunate coincidence.

“We are tired of being the number one county in Texas that has the number one number of domestic violence homicides,” said Amy Smith with the Harris County Domestic Violence Coordinating Council.

“Thinking about the prevalence of domestic violence, and the prevalence of animal cruelty, especially here in Harris County, It’s scary to think of how many people and animals are suffering,” said Lisa Tynan, Marketing Special Events Specialist.

Studies show in homes where domestic violence occurs, pets are abused in up to 50% of cases.

“About a third of them said that they delayed leaving because of their pet,” said Tynan.

“25 to 40% of people, who are abused that own pets, don’t leave their situation, …