Several studies have shown a direct link between the abuse of animals and violence against people. A study by the Chicago Police Department revealed that of those arrested for animal crimes, 65% had been arrested for battery against another person, (Statistical Summary of Offenders Charged with Crimes against Companion Animals July 2001-July 2005).. 46% of multiple murderers questioned admitted committing acts of animal torture as adolescents, (Cohen, W. (1996). Congressional Register, 142(141)). Researchers have found between 71% and 83% of women entering domestic violence shelters reported their partners also abused or killed the family pet.
There is also a correlation regarding individuals that stay in abusive relationships due to an inability to find housing that allows them to bring their pets with them when they leave an abusive home. 52% of victims in shelters leave their pets with their batterers, (National Coalition Against Domestic Violence). Up to 65% of domestic violence victims are unable to escape their abusers because they are concerned about what will happen to their pets when they leave, (Carlisle-Frank, Frank and Nielsen, 2004) Nationwide, only about 5% of domestic abuse shelters can accommodate pets. There are only three domestic abuse shelters in Oklahoma, two in Tulsa and one in Claremore, that allow domestic abuse victims to bring their pets with them. This is common among the states for shelters that allow pets and people would be more likely to use the services of a shelter if there were also ways to bring their pets.
There is an Instagram for Kyle the Cat that raises money for Red Rover Safe Pet grants and similar programs. Kyle the Cat was started after the cat’s owner learned that Kyle’s previous owner was killed in a domestic abuse related homicide. Unfortunately, a lot of animal problems are tied up with people problems. You can check out Kyle the Cat at: https://thebestcatpage.com/2016/06/03/instagram-famous-cat-lends-fame-help-domestic-violence-victims/
In an Oklahoma Link Coalition article, POINT OF VIEW, by Louisa McCune pointed out a 2007 study which concluded that because pets can be uniquely important sources of companionship for the elderly, abusive caretakers often exploit that connection, using threats of harm to animals to intimidate pet-owners, retaliate against them or control their assets. This link between violence against animals and violence against humans is real, demonstrable and the widespread knowledge of it can save lives.
I must admit I have no tolerance for people who abuse animals, period. I do love a good steak as well as bacon with my eggs but humane harvesting of food animals is in my mind not abuse. Abuse, in my mind, is the purposeful infliction of pain, starvation or abandonment of animals for no reason but to cause pain or stress for the sake of the pain or stress.
How many of us have known or heard about the kid in the neighborhood who abused animals and went on to cause violence to people later in their life.
I ask you to report any abuse of animals you know about to local authorities and local animal shelters. Their jobs are to protect not only people but the animals we have from abuse. To learn more about animal abuse and ways to help animals you can search online for state Humane Societies such as www.okhumane.org