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MN pet sanctuary set to open for domestic abuse survivors
Harriet’s Haven for Pets at Tubman Center East broke ground on Wednesday.
MAPLEWOOD, Minn. — Relationship violence is often difficult to discuss.
But the local non-profit, Tubman, has been offering services to thousands of survivors for decades to provide services to those in need.
Last fall, it wanted to do more and kicked off a campaign to raise $8.5 million for things like new windows, a roof and a commercial kitchen, along with a pet sanctuary, housed in the old laundry room of the monastery in Maplewood it runs out of.
Research shows that violence towards people and animals often goes hand in hand. Nearly 50% of domestic violence survivors delay leaving because of fear for their pet’s safety and nearly 25% return to an abusive situation.
“He is bossy, he’s sassy, he runs my whole life,” said Veronika Lantseva about her dog, Toby. She loves him like family and when she escaped an abusive relationship, never thought about leaving her previous pet behind.
“I wasn’t sure what was going to happen to my dog and that was not a risk I was willing to take,” said Lantseva.
She would find safety, and years later, is now giving back at Tubman, volunteering in various roles, including for the pet haven.
On Wednesday, she and other volunteers set up for a special ceremony to break ground on the unique idea – that’s the first of its kind in the Twin Cities.
“It’s going to be a game changer,” said Lantseva. “Often times, for survivors, they have to make that impossible choice between staying in a home where they’re not safe, and leaving their pet behind with their abuser who could hurt their pet when they realize they’re gone.”
Creating a place for pets in shelters provides a sense of comfort and security for survivors. It also bridges an important gap and allows families to remain whole and fill an important need.
“We knew we needed to do something based on the stories that we were hearing over and over again from survivors,” said Jennifer Polzin, Tubman’s CEO, who says the short-term option is a still a full-service refuge.
New renderings show it can house eight dogs and eight cats for up to 30 days while their owners seek housing for themselves or other temporary care for pets. The space will provide round-the-clock monitoring, routine veterinary care and enrichment areas. It encourages survivors to enhance healing while maintaining a bond with their pet.
The costly renovations are part of that year-long campaign to make critical upgrades to the whole building. Polzin says they’re reached 96% of their goal so far. Some other services Tubman provides includes legal, education and mental and chemical health programs.
“By even asking the question if they have a companion animal they’re concerned about, that’s one way to signal it’s ok and normalize the conversation,” said Polzin.
To learn more about the campaign and how you can help, click here.
And if you are in need of help or services, please call Tubman’s 24-hour crisis & resource line at 612-825-0000.
Help is also available by calling 800-799-7233 or texting START to 88788 to be connected with someone from the National Domestic Violence Hotline. The hotline includes more options for support and identifiers of abuse on its website.
For Minnesota residents, Cornerstone MN also offers resources and safe housing for domestic abuse survivors and crime victims. Call 1-866-223-1111 or chat online with the crisis hotline.
The council argues that the HERC must be closed to comply with the city’s zero waste policy, which was passed back in 2017.
MINNEAPOLIS — The Minneapolis City Council unanimously approved a plan to shut down the Hennepin Energy Recovery Center (HERC) on Thursday.
The resolution comes after decades of protests against the massive North Loop trash incinerator that burns roughly 365,000 tons of garbage a year.
“Today is a big step towards protecting the health of our communities and addressing longstanding environmental injustices that disproportionately impact communities of color,” said councilmember Robin Wonsley, in a statement.
The resolution calls for the incinerator to be permanently closed by Dec 31, 2027 and for the entire facility to be shut down by Dec 31, 2033.
The council argues that the HERC must be closed to comply with the city’s zero waste policy, which was passed back in 2017.
In October 2023, the Hennepin County Board signed off on a plan to close the HERC between 2028 and 2040, depending on how quickly the county can transition into a zero-waste system.
Of the garbage burned at the HERC, 75% comes from the city of Minneapolis. The other 25% comes from a dozen other cities in the area. The HERC produces enough energy to power more than 25,000 homes and half the buildings in downtown Minneapolis.
At a City Council Meeting on Oct. 10, Jenni Lansing with the City of Minneapolis Health Department provided analysis on the air pollution impacts of HERC. She said the health department supports working towards a zero-waste future and the ultimate closure of HERC, but said closing it now is not the solution.
“Overall emissions in Hennepin County are dominated by on-road and non-road, mobile and nonpoint sources, and these sources drive the cancer and non-cancer risks to health in Minneapolis,” Lansing said.
Hennepin County defines zero waste as preventing 90% or more of all discarded materials from being landfilled or incinerated.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
The snow is really coming down in some places with Maple Lake getting 3.5″ so far.
GOLDEN VALLEY, Minn. — The wettest Halloween storm ever — is making mischief before little trick-or-treaters hit their neighborhood’s slushy streets.
Officials are reporting several power outages and car spin-outs.
There have been over 14,000 power outages, according to Xcel Energy.
The Minnesota State Patrol has responded to 169 crashes and 94 vehicles off the road, as of 2. pm. Thursday.
Meteorologist Beny Dery said an additional 1 to 2″ of snow is possible before things taper off this evening.
So far some of the totals around town are: 3.5″ Maple Lake, 3.0″ Buffalo, 2.5″ Dassel, 2.4″ Windom, 2.0″ St. Bonifacious, 1.5″ Maple Plain and 1.5″ in Bethel.
The snow is expected to let up from west to east and should wrap up for the metro between 5 to 6 p.m.
Last week, prosecutors charged John Sawchak with attempted 2nd-degree murder and other felony charges after he allegedly shot his neighbor Davis Moturi.
MINNEAPOLIS — Following the shooting between two neighbors, the Minneapolis City Council voted unanimously to request that the city’s auditor conduct an independent investigation into the incidents and cases between Davis Moturi and John Sawchak.
Moturi was allegedly shot by his neighbor, Sawchak, on Wednesday, Oct. 23 but Minneapolis police did not arrest Sawchak until days later.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara defended not arresting Sawchak sooner, calling it a “high-risk” situation. O’Hara later said the victim, who had complained about harassment from Sawchak for months, was failed by police. Sawchak was arrested this past weekend after an hours-long standoff.
Moturi suffered a fractured spine, two broken ribs, and a concussion in the shooting. “Mr. Moturi’s life matters and I’m sorry that for nearly a year, MPD did not treat it like it did,” said Council Member Robin Wonsley in a news release, “Today’s vote affirms that the City Council is committed to taking meaningful actions towards accountability and restoration, starting with this independent review.”
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey released this statement:
“Mayor Frey fully supports an independent review of this incident. The mayor and City are committed to always doing better, and this means closely examining past actions and finding where there may be ways to improve and grow. The mayor extends his condolences to Davis Moturi, his wife, Caroline, and their family and friends. The safety of our residents is a top priority and any form of violence or hate speech is completely unacceptable and does not align with who we are as a community. Brian O’Hara will continue to be the Minneapolis Police Chief.”
