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this page is about problems animal abuse can cause for others and their environment. i chose this page because it shows all the problems animal abuse can cause everywhere

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Research finds a clear and compelling link between animal abuse and other violent acts. Animal abuse does not only hurt animals; it affects our entire community.

Animal abuse has a strong connection to domestic violence. Victim's dogs and cats are often used by abusers as pawns to manipulate and control them. In an abusive home, a companion animal may serve as a lone confidant for an abused woman or child and, by abusing the animal, an abuser takes advantage of the victim's concern for his or her animal. Abusers may threaten or abuse animals in front of children and partners to keep them from reporting abuse or leaving. By hurting the animals, an abuser is sending the message that a human victim could be next.

The effect on children

Children who witness such abuse are three times more likely to abuse animals and to play a role in an abusive relationship later in life.

When an animal is abused, a chain reaction begins in our community. Not only does an innocent animal get injured, but the person who commits the offense often falls into a cycle that could ultimately result in violence against other people. The evidence of a link between cruelty to animals and violence toward humans is compelling. In fact, people who abuse animals are five times more likely to commit violent crime.

Animal abuse, like many other forms of abuse, is about power and control over a helpless victim. By taking action against animal cruelty, we protect animals and may uncover and perhaps prevent additional crimes.

Resources for victims

Many victims are hesitant to leave a dangerous situation because they fear for their animal's safety.

That's why the Wisconsin Humane Society created the Safe Haven program in partnership with Sojourner Family Peace Center. Safe Haven provides up to 60 days of temporary shelter to animals from families affected by domestic violence, allowing families to leave an abusive situation while knowing their animal is safe and cared for. To learn more about our Safe Haven program, click here.

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Research finds a clear and compelling link between animal abuse and other violent acts. Animal abuse does not only hurt animals; it affects our entire community. Animal abuse has a strong connection to domestic violence. Victim's dogs and cats are often used by abusers as pawns to manipulate and control them.

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this page is about

facts and myths about domestic violence and animal abuse. i chose this page because

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In the last twenty years,researchers and advocates have learned a lot about how pet abuse and domestic violence are related, and how important this relationship is for early identification of both human and animal victims of abuse. Over time, some information may have become distorted or oversimplified. The following are some of the most common "facts and myths" about domestic violence and animal abuse. The information below was compiled from studies that were published in peer-reviewed professional journals or books. A general reference list is available upon request.
FACT: Domestic violence, child abuse, and animal abuse frequently occur simultaneously in a family.

Multiple studies have found that from 49% to 71% of battered women reported that their pets had been threatened, harmed, and or killed by their partners.

In a national survey, 85% of domestic violence shelters indicated that women coming to their facilities told of incidents of pet abuse.

According to a survey, women in domestic violence shelters were 11 times more likely to report animal abuse by their partners than was a comparison group of women not experiencing violence.

A study of 1,283 female pet owners seeking refuge found batterers who abuse pets also used more forms of violence and demonstrated greater use of controlling behaviors.

FACT: Women with pets may delay leaving a dangerous environment for fear of their pets' safety.

Across various surveys, between 18% and 48% of battered women delay leaving a dangerous situation out of concern for their pets' safety.
FACT: Individuals who commit pet abuse are more likely to become batterers.

Pet abuse was identified as one of the four significant predictors for intimate partner violence in a recent "gold standard" study conducted by Dr. Jacquelyn Campbell and colleagues in three metropolitan areas over a period of seven years.

A more thorough understanding of the connection between animal abuse and the likelihood of becoming a batterer would better enable us to intervene at one of the earliest possible points and to stop battering before it begins.

FACT: Animal abuse often is linked to the severity of IPV.

Studies have found a significant association between physical and severe psychological IPV perpetration and a history of animal abuse, as well as an association between pet abuse and controlling behaviors in violent relationships. Moreover, over the past ten years, more and more studies confirm a significant association between animal maltreatment and more frequent and severe forms of intimate partner violence (IPV). These studies included asking women who sought shelter for domestic violence about their experiences, as well as checking court records of men who had been convicted of domestic violence. A revised Danger Assessment instrument designed to predict re-assault in female same-sex relationships included the following question, "Has she threatened to harm a pet, family member, or person with a disability?" At this time it seems clear that seriousness of animal maltreatment is linked to the level of danger to which a domestic violence victim is exposed. This makes it more imperative that both animal protection service/humane law enforcement and human service/law enforcement agencies receive information and training about this connection.
MYTH: Animals abusers represent a distinct type of offender.

We do not know if this is the case since the studies needed to make this assertion have not been done. We do know, however, that animal abusers frequently commit other types of interpersonal violence (IPV). With that information, we can reasonably assume that the personality characteristics of animal abuse offenders will resemble those of other IPV offenders.

To assess the level of dangerousness, there are instruments with known reliability and validity that have been used for years by departments of probation and corrections, forensic mental health experts, domestic violence advocates, and others. These instruments could be used with scientific confidence for assessing how dangerous, or psychopathic, an animal abuse offender may be.

MYTH: A safe haven for pets of domestic violence victims is always a place where the pets of domestic violence victims are sheltered in the same area as the family.

Safe havens come in many different shapes and sizes. In some safe havens, pets do share the same space with the domestic violence survivors. For a list of these types of programs, and information on starting one, go to: http://alliephillips.com/saf-tprogram/

However, there are a variety of ways in which safe havens have organized themselves, depending on the local resources. Some rely on networks of foster care homes or are allowed to use the additional kennel space of a local humane society. Some shelters or humane societies house the pets of domestic violence victims offsite. Often veterinarians are involved. A recent survey of safe havens indicated that a sizeable portion (25%) of safe havens reported some formal relationship with a veterinarian or veterinary association.

Depending on the local arrangement, family members may be able to visit their pets while they are in safe-keeping. How long a pet may stay in a safe haven again will depend on the local arrangement-some stays are much shorter than others. Confidentiality of the pet's location is highly guarded in order to protect the pets and their family members.

For a national listing of all types of safe havens for pets services, see: http://awionline.org/content/safe-havens-mapping-project-pets-domestic-violence-victims

FACT: Safe havens for pets-offering assistance either with direct service or information to survivors of domestic violence about housing their pets safely-have grown nationally.
For additional information or for a list of references, please contact Mary Lou Randour, Ph.D. at (202) 446-2127 or marylou@awionline.org.

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what to do in case of domestic violence and pet abuse

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planning for pets of domestic violence victims

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Facts and Myths About Domestic Violence and Animal Abuse

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In the last twenty years, researchers and advocates have learned a lot about how pet abuse and domestic violence are related, and how important this relationship is for early identification of both human and animal victims of abuse. Over time, some information may have become distorted or oversimplified.

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this video tells people about donating to help animals who are getting abused. i chose this because i think its a good foundation to go to the you see an animal being abused

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Research Shows the Link Between Cruelty to Animals and Toward Humans. i chose this because it shows how animal abuse is a factor in human

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People who hurt animals don't stop with animals. There is an established link between cruelty to animals and violence toward humans - regularly referred to as "The Link."

This link makes it critically important that cruelty toward animals be taken seriously by law enforcement, and by society at large. This is for the sake of the animals themselves, and for people who are also at risk.

Ample research backs up the finding that there is a direct link between acts of cruelty to animals and violence toward humans. This includes child abuse, domestic violence, elder abuse and other violent behavior.

Here are just a handful of examples of the research supporting that conclusion:

A landmark 1997 study by the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and Northeastern University found that animal abusers are in fact five times as likely to also harm other humans.

Another study, published in 2013, found that 43% of those who commit school massacres also committed acts of cruelty to animals - generally against cats and dogs.

Phil Arkow, coordinator of the National Link Coalition - a group focusing on the intersection between violence toward animals and humans - has written often about animal abuse being an indication of domestic violence, or what's called a "predictor crime."

Indeed, a 1983 study notes that animal abuse was found in 88%of homes in which physical child abuse was being investigated.

If a child is cruel to animals, research shows it may be a sign that serious abuse or neglect has been inflicted on the child. Children who witness animal abuse are at greater risk of becoming abusers themselves.

A 2017 study showed that 89% of women who had companion animals during an abusive relationship reported that their animals were threatened, harmed, or killed by their abusive partner.

This finding is in line with other research showing that domestic violence toward pets both correlates with domestic violence toward humans, and is also a tool of domestic abuse - violent members of the household will threaten to hurt or actually hurt a companion animal as a method of control and a form of emotional violence. Indeed, more than half of women in domestic violence shelters report that they delayed their escape out of fear for their animals.

The Law Must Protect Animals and Punish Animal Abusers

Both because animals themselves need protection, and because of the link between cruelty to animals and cruelty to humans, violence against animals must be taken seriously under the law.

There are some ways in which the law is reflecting this seriousness. For example, all 50 states now have felony animal cruelty laws on the books. Nearly two thirds of states allow pets to be included in domestic violence protective orders. These are just among the advances we've seen at the state level in this area.

At the federal level, there is progress, too. As of 2016 the FBI began tracking crimes against animals in the National Incident Based Reporting System (NIBRS), in the same way it tracks other serious criminal offenses. This tracking will help paint a better picture of who is committing crimes against animals, and where these crimes are taking place - and will thus also help indicate where humans are also at risk.

But we are not yet at the point where cruelty to animals is consistently reported, investigated, prosecuted, or punished in ways that match the seriousness of the crime.

How to Help

The law is only just beginning to catch up with the Americans' widespread view that animals are family members who need robust protection under the law. This is both for the sake of animal victims and for the safety of communities more broadly.

Animal protection laws vary from state to state, and so we face a patchwork of laws across the country. To see how well your state is protecting animals, and where it needs improvement, see the Animal Legal Defense Fund's annual State Rankings Report, ranking the animal protection laws of all 50 states.

Let your lawmakers know that you care about this issue, and that you want to see your state's animal protection laws strengthened, and stronger enforcement of those laws.

Information and Resources

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Animal Cruelty and Domestic Violence - The Link Between Cruelty to Animals and Violence Toward Humans

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People who hurt animals don't stop with animals. There is an established link between cruelty to animals and violence toward humans - regularly referred to as "The Link." This link makes it critically important that cruelty toward animals be taken seriously by law enforcement, and by society at large.

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this page is about the facts and laws about animal abuse. i chose this because i think the laws for animal abuse should be stricter

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To keep the lights on, we receive affiliate commissions via some of our links. Our review process.

When people think about animal cruelty, their minds usually start with an image of a dog chained up outside in the cold without any food, or some dog fighting ring where pit bulls are raised to attack one another viciously. However, there are millions of animals being abused by people who don't intend to do the wrong thing. Animal cruelty includes but is not limited to abuse, neglect, animal testing, misinformation and sheer ignorance.

There is a lot of good being done to stop animal cruelty, but there are also those who are willing to turn a blind eye to animal testing when it comes to their cosmetics or look the other way when they see animal abuse. Learn more animal cruelty facts so you are empowered to fight for change.

Animal Abuse Statistics

The question that usually comes up is, Why do humans abuse animals?

The sad truth of the matter is that there is no targeted reason people do what they do. Instead of treating animals like they are living creatures with emotions and feelings, some people view them like throw-away "things" that are put here for their pleasure. Animal abuse is not isolated to any specific gender, race, or demographic.

5% of animal abuse cases involve dogs.

Many states do not consider livestock in their cruelty laws.

Federal cruelty laws are limited when it comes to animals. Instead, most cases are handled on a state by state basis.

Animal Testing Statistics

Animal testing is another area that people are quick to dismiss. We see makeup companies conduct testing on animals, and we think they are putting lipstick on monkeys - how much harm does that cause, right? The truth is, animal testing is a much more cruel and inhumane practice that kills or seriously injures many types of species. Animal testing results in helpless creatures being burned, crippled, poisoned or even sometimes killed.

There is no truth to the idea that the U.S. Government requires cosmetic testing on animals.

It's not just rats used in product testing. Rabbits, mice, birds, amphibians, as well as dogs and cats, can all be test subjects.

66,000 dogs and 21,000 cats are subjected to testing every year.

It's not just makeup. Testing includes subjecting animals to pharmaceutical drugs, carcinogens and even killing pregnant animals and conducting tests on fetuses.

Animal Rights Facts

Animal rights vary from state to state, but they all reflect similar principles. Animal rights extend beyond dogs and cats and include animals such as livestock and some wild creatures. It's always touchy when it comes to animals raised as a food source or hunting versus animal rights, but there is a clear set of rules that protects animals' rights both at home and in the wild.

Hunting is legal in all 50 states, but some rules and regulations prohibit over-hunting and the preservation of native species.

The Animal Welfare Act was signed into U.S. law in 1966. It regulates the treatment of animals in research, exhibition, and transportation.

What Animal Cruelty Laws Are There?

Like animal rights laws, cruelty laws vary depending on what state you're in. According to the American Humane Society, "Anti-cruelty laws exist in all U.S. states and territories to prohibit unnecessary killing, mutilating, torturing, beating, neglecting and abandoning animals, or depriving them of proper food, water or shelter."

In October 2019, the House unanimously passed the Preventing Animal Cruelty and Torture (PACT) Act. This new law criminalizes acts of animal cruelty associated with interstate commerce and federal property. The Senate and President are expected to sign it into law in the coming weeks. PACT will not override local animal cruelty laws or enforcement.

All 50 states consider animal cruelty a felony in one form or another.

Laws include neglect, physical abuse and unlivable housing conditions.

43 of 50 states have a zero-tolerance policy, and would convict someone on a first-time offense.

For a more detailed list of more recent state and national animal cruelty laws, visit ASPCA. And, here is a ranking of the best and worst states when it comes to animal cruelty law, as reported by The Animal Legal Defense Fund.

How to Report Animal Abuse

Animal abuse is an epidemic that is not going away without people doing the right thing and speaking up. The only way we can start to correct the problem is by deciding to take a stand and let people know that it's not OK to mistreat or neglect animals. If you suspect a neighbor is abusing their dog, start by offering to take it on walks or to the park. This way, you can subtly communicate that the owner is doing something wrong without accusing them. If they don't take the hint, then there are other options for helping the pet out of harm's way.

If an animal is in immediate danger, contact your local police department and report the situation.

In a dangerous situation, you can also contact PETA (757-622-7382, option 2) to report the case. There, you can discuss what information you have and help determine the best path forward.

If you see something, speak up! Animals need strong people to have a voice for them and to tell people the abuse needs to stop.

Watch the video below for more information about how to report the abuse of living creatures.

What are you doing to make a difference for cruelty against animals?

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Animal Cruelty Facts: Laws, Stats And How To Report A Concern

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To keep the lights on, we receive affiliate commissions via some of our links. Our review process. When people think about animal cruelty, their minds usually start with an image of a dog chained up outside in the cold without any food, or some dog fighting ring where pit bulls are raised to attack one another viciously.

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this page tells a few different reasons for animal abuse

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The shocking number of animal cruelty cases reported every day is just the tip of the iceberg-most cases are never reported. Unlike violent crimes against people, cases of animal abuse are not compiled by state or federal agencies, making it difficult to calculate just how common they are. However, we can use the information that is available to try to understand and prevent cases of abuse.

Who abuses animals?

Cruelty and neglect cross all social and economic boundaries and media reports suggest that animal abuse is common in both rural and urban areas.

Intentional cruelty to animals is strongly correlated with other crimes, including violence against people.

Hoarding behavior often victimizes animals. Sufferers of a hoarding disorder may impose severe neglect on animals by housing far more than they are able to adequately take care of. Serious animal neglect (such as hoarding) is often an indicator of people in need of social or mental health services.

Surveys suggest that those who intentionally abuse animals are predominantly men under 30, while those involved in animal hoarding are more likely to be women over 60.

Most common victims

The animals whose abuse is most often reported are dogs, cats, horses and livestock. Undercover investigations have revealed that animal abuse abounds in the factory farm industry. But because of the weak protections afforded to livestock under state cruelty laws, only the most shocking cases are reported, and few are ever prosecuted.

Organized cruelty

Dogfighting, cockfighting and other forms of organized animal cruelty go hand in hand with other crimes, and continues in many areas of the United States due to public corruption.

The HSUS documented uniformed police officers at a cockfighting pit in Kentucky.

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency has prosecuted multiple cases where drug cartels were running narcotics through cockfighting and dogfighting operations.

Dozens of homicides have occurred at cockfights and dogfights.

A California man was killed in a disagreement about a $10 cockfight bet.

The HSUS's investigative team combats complacent public officials and has worked with the FBI on public corruption cases in Tennessee and Virginia. In both instances, law enforcement officers were indicted and convicted.

Correlation with domestic violence

Data on domestic violence and child abuse cases reveal that a staggering number of animals are targeted by those who abuse their children or spouses.

There are approximately 70 million pet dogs and 74.1 million pet cats in the U.S. where 20 men and women are assaulted per minute (an average of around 10 million a year).

In one survey, 71 % of domestic violence victims reported that their abuser also targeted pets.

In one study of families under investigation for suspected child abuse, researchers found that pet abuse had occurred in 88 % of the families under supervision for physical abuse of their children.

To put a stop to this pattern of violence, the Humane Society Legislative Fund supported the Pets and Women's Safety (PAWS) Act, introduced to Congress in 2015 as H.R. 1258 and S.B. 1559 and enacted as part of the farm bill passed by Congress and signed by President Trump in 2018. Once fully enacted, the PAWS Act helps victims of domestic abuse find the means to escape their abusers while keeping their companion animals safe-many victims remain in abusive households for fear of their pets' safety.

State legislative trends

The HSUS has long led the push for stronger animal cruelty laws and provides training for law officials to detect and prosecute these crimes. With South Dakota joining the fight in March of 2014, animal cruelty laws now include felony provisions in all 50 states.

First vs. subsequent offense

Given that a fraction of animal cruelty acts are reported or successfully prosecuted, we are committed to supporting felony convictions in cases of severe cruelty.

49 states have laws to provide felony penalties for animal torture on the first offense.

Only Iowa doesn't have such a law.

Animal cruelty laws typically cover intentional and egregious animal neglect and abuse.

Changes in federal tracking

On January 1, 2016, the FBI added cruelty to animals as a category in the Uniform Crime Report, a nationwide crime reporting system commonly used in homicide investigations. While only about a third of U.S. communities currently participate in the system, the data generated will help create a clearer picture of animal abuse and guide strategies for intervention and enforcement. Data collection covers four categories: simple/gross neglect, intentional abuse and torture, organized abuse (such as dogfighting and cockfighting) and animal sexual abuse.

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Facts, statistics and trends of animal abuse, animal cruelty and abused animals in the U.S.

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Every major circus that uses animals has been cited for violating the minimal standards of care set by the United States Animal Welfare.