For nearly 30 years, Swindon Women's Refuge has been providing help for women fleeing abusive relationships but often the family pet is not so fortunate.

Many women cannot face leaving a pet in an aggressive environment so they stay in a dangerous situation, suffering recurring threats and violence.

These women not only have themselves and their children to worry about, but they have the added worry about the safety of their pets.

Now the RSPCA is asking for volunteers to take part in a scheme that aims to alleviate these extra pressures.

Petsafe, launched two years ago in Somerset, Bath and Bristol to provide temporary shelter for animals, is being expanded to include Wiltshire.

So far, 60 families and 107 animals have been helped by the scheme, which works in conjunction with around 45 refuges.

Petsafe fills the gaps left by refuges, that often cannot arrange pet fostering.

Women seeking refuge for their pets are usually forced to rely on friends to take them in or even have the animal destroyed

Jenni Manners, manager of Swindon Women's Refuge, said the charity was often desperate for foster homes for cats and dogs.

She said: "Women who are leaving their homes to escape violent partners have enough worries. But when they have to start considering the safety of their pets it's an extra big worry.

"The refuge can take in a few small caged animals, such as hamsters, but there simply isn't the room for cats and dogs.

"We help around 180 women a year. Of course not everyone has pets but half a dozen times a year we are desperate to find a pet a new home.

"Sometimes we are not successful and the pet has to remain at the home.

"The RSPCA scheme is absolutely brilliant."

Jo Barr, regional spokeswoman for RSPCA, said: "As we do not know how long the pet will be in the scheme the fosterers we recruit are very special people. They may have a pet in their home for anything from a few days to a month.

"Some of the animals may be nervous or have behavioural problems but we work hard to ensure only suitable pets are placed with fosterers, who receive as much support from us as possible.

"In order for the scheme to work we desperately need animal fosterers."

Potential fosterers should contact the RSPCA on 0870 7538100.

Since 1975 Swindon Women's Refuge has provided 24-hour advice, counselling, support and accommodation to women, and any dependants, who have been mentally, physically or sexually abused by their husband, partner or ex-partner.

The organisation manages six houses, providing 25 bedrooms on one site, rented from and funded by Swindon Council. Anyone needing help or advice can telephone 01793 536447.

Alex Emery