Pets At Risk
The link between domestic violence and violence against animals, once ignored, moves mainstream
Some 43 states have made animal cruelty a felony rather than misdemeanor and a handful have recently passed legislation that includes animals in orders of protection issued against domestic violence abusers.
It’s an ugly fact: Many offenders convicted for violence against human beings also abused, maimed or killed animals when they were children. Less well known is the fact that perpetrators of domestic violence also are likely to abuse the household pets.
“The link is indisputable,” says Phil Arkow, director of human-animal bond programs for the American Humane Association, Denver.
According to PAWS, Lynwood, Wash., the top animal advocacy group in Washington State:
• 71 percent of women in domestic-abuse shelters report that animals were injured, harmed, maimed or killed by the person who abused them;
• 32 percent of abused women reported that children in the household where the abuse took place had injured animals; and
• 70 percent of people charged with animal abuse have records for other crimes.
American Humane believes violence against people and against animals can be curbed significantly if communities investigate all abuse complaints with the “inextricable link” in mind, says Arkow. The topic will be on the agenda in late September 2007 when the American Humane holds its annual conference in Alexandria, Va.
“An animal welfare officer investigating a complaint of animal cruelty or abuse should be attuned to the signs of abuse or failure to thrive among the people in the household,” says Arkow. He also believes a protocol should be established to alert social services personnel to animal abuse.
Further, Arkow believes child protective services or law enforcement officials who investigate possible abuse of adults or children should also check out the household pets and notify the local animal welfare group.
Formally linking animal and human welfare in this way requires multi-agency commitment, funds and training, Arkow concedes. Only about two-dozen communities have developed coalitions and procedures to investigate instances of spillover abuse.
There are signs that the nation is recognizing the animal link in the chain-of-violence cycle, Arkow says. Some 43 states have made animal cruelty a felony rather than misdemeanor and a handful have recently passed legislation that includes animals in orders of protection issued against domestic violence abusers.
Arkow remains convinced that protecting animals can also serve to protect humans. “Large numbers of women report that they delay leaving a relationship, putting themselves and their children at greater risk for a longer time, because of concern about leaving the family pet behind,” says Arkow. “Animals become a convenient target.”
And abusers, aware of the love family members have for the pet, use the animal to manipulate their human targets. “Of the abuse inflicted on animals, 87 percent of it takes place in the presence of the woman and 75 percent of it in the presence of the children,” Arkow says.
Arkow believes animal shelters should even consider building facilities to allow household pets to escape domestic abuse.
It’s unlikely that communities can eliminate all violence against pets and people, he concedes, “But we can sure put a big dent in the problem.” The way to start, he says, “Is to provide better care for all victims whether they have two legs or four.”
For more about the link between animal and human abuse see the American Humane Association Web site.
What’s your question? Sharon Peters would like to hear about what’s on your mind when it comes to caring for, training and loving your pet. E-mail Sharon@Pets2008.com.
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