Fairfax — Some 315 people participated in the ninth annual K-9 Krawl 5K Walk on Saturday, Oct. 17 at the Fairfax County Government Center in Fairfax. The free walk was created to increase awareness of the link between domestic violence and animal cruelty. The event is held during October in observance of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and is sponsored by the Fairfax County Police Department Victim Services Section and the FCPD Domestic Violence Unit.

"The K-9 Krawl was created to bring awareness to domestic violence and the link to animal cruelty," said Kacey Kirkland, Victim Services Specialist and K-9 Krawl Creator. "A lot of people see their pets as their family."

Sully District Supervisor Michael Frey, who was on hand, said, "What is important is that our police department recognized that there are direct links between animals and spousal abuse. This is a good way to help spread the message."

Board of Supervisors Chairman Sharon Bulova, who was also on hand, said, "Bringing attention to domestic violence is so critical.”