FW: Animal Cruelty Awareness Month
Cortez, Sheri
Good afternoon and happy Friday Community Partners,
Animals rely on us for protection, kindness, and a voice. When cruelty goes unnoticed, the harm only grows. The DA has released an important PSA to help our community recognize and report animal abuse. Together, we can create a safer, more compassionate world for every animal.
Please post the attached PSA’s in English, Spanish and Vietnamese to your social media sites and email base.
Thank you.
From: McFaden, Mary <MCFADE...@dao.hctx.net>
Sent: Thursday, April 23, 2026 2:26 PM
Cc: McFaden, Mary <MCFADE...@dao.hctx.net>; Cortez, Sheri <CORTEZ...@dao.hctx.net>
Subject: Animal Cruelty Awareness Month
Dear Partners,
April is recognized as Animal Cruelty Awareness Month. At the Harris County District Attorney’s Office, we kindly ask that you share our PSA through your constituent email lists, social media platforms, and newsletters.
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month is dedicated to raising awareness about the mistreatment of animals and inspiring meaningful action to stop it. This observance serves as an important reminder of the many forms animal cruelty can take—and also highlights its strong ties to other forms of interpersonal violence, including domestic abuse.
Key facts underline why this awareness is so urgent:
- About 41% of intimate partner violence (IPV) offenders have committed animal cruelty
- Among pet-owning domestic violence survivors, up to 89% report that their pets were threatened, harmed, or killed by the abuser
- Many survivors delay leaving violent homes—up to 48%—due to fear for their pets’ well-being
- Animal cruelty often serves as an early warning sign that other forms of violence may be present. When animals are abused, people are often at risk too
By educating our communities on this link, we not only stand up for animals, but also play a critical role in supporting victims of domestic violence and preventing further abuse. Together, we can break the cycle of violence and create safer environments for both animals and people.
Attached are our community PSAs in English, Vietnamese, and Spanish. Thank you for your partnership.
Best regards,
Mary
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Mary McFaden, Bureau Chief Domestic Violence Bureau: Domestic Violence, Elder Abuse, Protective Orders & Domestic Violence Services Harris County District Attorney’s Office 1201 Franklin, Suite 600 Houston, Texas 77002 Email: mcfade...@dao.hctx.net Office: 713-274-1900 |
This e-mail is the work product of the Harris County District Attorney's Office prepared in anticipation of or in the course of preparing for criminal litigation. This e-mail reflects the mental impressions or legal reasoning of an attorney representing the State of Texas or his staff. This e-mail is not subject to public disclosure without the express permission of the Harris County District Attorney or his designated representative.
Cortez, Sheri
Good morning.
I hope your week went well, and you are having a great start to your weekend.
As we end the month of April, and closing out Animal Cruelty Awareness Month, we have an important reminder and ask for your assistance in getting the message out.
Animals rely on us for protection, kindness, and a voice. When cruelty goes unnoticed, the harm only grows. The DA has released an important PSA to help our community recognize and report animal abuse. Together, we can create a safer, more compassionate world for every animal.
Please post the attached PSA’s which include important protective order information in English, Spanish and Vietnamese to your social media sites and email base.
Thank you.
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Sheri Cortez Outreach Coordinator |
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Domestic Violence Bureau: Domestic Violence, Elder Abuse, Protective Orders & Domestic Violence Services Harris County District Attorney’s Office 1201 Franklin, Suite 600 Houston, Texas 77002 |
https://dao.harriscountytx.gov/ Email: cortez...@dao.hctx.net Cell 832-840-6814 Personal Cell 713-702-3543 Office 713-274-5623 |