The Link and the Cycle of Violence As It Relates to Animal Cruelty
The problem: THE CYCLE OF VIOLENCE
The cycle of violence is a vicious pattern in which an adult passes on abusiveness to a child. This pattern results when a child either watches or receives abuse. Growing up, he or she follows the example of the adult and continues the violence by abusing people and/or animals.
Domestic violence, child abuse and animal abuse are closely attached to one another, and the cycle will continue until someone steps in to stop it. For more information about “The Link,” please click here.
spcaLA’s Public Service Announcement looks at the issue of “The Link” and the cycle of violence as it relates to animal cruelty that begins with our youth. Click here to view the video.
The solution: TLC
a violence prevention program created to help stop the cycle of violence toward people and animals
The Teaching Love and Compassion (TLC) program is a four-week long violence prevention program designed to teach empathy and compassion to at-risk youth. If students learn to accept animals as living beings with feelings and needs, the compassion and empathy isn’t far behind. The compassion and empathy toward animals is what prevents violent behavior. TLC is a necessary part of a community and should be implemented in all areas of the world.
In order to do this, animal shelters and schools need to begin to work together. spcaLA offers a comprehensive manual on the TLC program. Click here for more information about the manual.
Frequently Asked Questions About Animal Cruelty
- What is animal cruelty?
Animal cruelty encompasses a range of behaviors harmful to animals, from neglect to malicious killing. Most cruelty investigated by humane officers is unintentional neglect that can be resolved through education. Intentional cruelty, or abuse, is knowingly depriving an animal of food, water, shelter, socialization, or veterinary care or maliciously torturing, maiming, mutilating, or killing an animal.
- Why is it a concern?
All animal cruelty is a concern because it is wrong to inflict suffering on any living creature. Intentional cruelty is a particular concern because it is a sign of psychological distress and often indicates that an individual either has already experienced violence or may be predisposed to committing acts of violence.
- Is there any evidence of a connection between animal cruelty and human violence?
Yes. Many studies in psychology, sociology, and criminology during the past 25 years have demonstrated that violent offenders frequently have childhood and adolescent histories of serious and repeated animal cruelty. The FBI has recognized the connection since the 1970s, when its analysis of the lives of serial killers suggested that most had killed or tortured animals as children. Other research has shown consistent patterns of animal cruelty among perpetrators of more common forms of violence, including child abuse, spouse abuse, and elder abuse. In fact, the American Psychiatric Association considers animal cruelty one of the diagnostic criteria of conduct disorder.
- Why would anyone be cruel to animals?
There can be many reasons. Animal cruelty, like any other form of violence, is often committed by a person who feels powerless, unnoticed, and under the control of others. The motive may be to shock, threaten, intimidate, or offend others or to demonstrate rejection of society's rules. Some who are cruel to animals copy things they have seen or that have been done to them. Others see harming an animal as a safe way to get revenge on someone who cares about that animal.
- What happens when authorities prosecute an animal cruelty case?
Depending on the severity of the case, individuals found guilty may be imprisoned. Appropriate sentencing can also include individual or family counseling, community service, or diversion programs. It is rarely the goal of the authorities to imprison a child for cruelty to animals. Law enforcement officers and judges recognize that cruelty to animals is one part of a complex problem. Sometimes the official response to animal cruelty provides a family its first opportunity to get help.
- Can reports be made anonymously?
Yes, you can make a complaint anonymously. In some cases, successful prosecutions often depend on an identifiable witness who can authenticate evidence.
- What are the warning signs that someone is violent or is on the way to becoming violent?
Following is information for specific communities and professionals who are in the position where they need to recognize and respond to animal cruelty.
For more information from other resources, please click here.
For more information about the spcaLA Humane Education Department, please contact
Melanie Wagner, M.S. Ed,
Director of Humane Education
310-676-1149 ex. 228
or via email at HumaneEducation@spcaLA.com.
