Albert Einstein "If a man aspires towards a righteous life, his first act of abstinence is from injury to animals."

Pet Ownership in the United States. Sixty-eight percent of U. S Pet Ownership in the United States. Sixty-eight percent of U.S. households, or about 85 million families, own a pet…………… 2017-2018 National Pet Owners Survey conducted by the American Pet Products Association (APPA).

Cat Dog Millions of pets Freshwater fish 139.3 94.2 89.7 Bird 20.3 Number Freshwater fish 139.3 Cat 94.2 Dog 89.7 Bird 20.3 Saltwater fish 18.8 Small animal 14.0 Reptile 9.4 Horse 7.6

The truth is that a person who harms animals will likely harm humans–and a person who harms humans will almost certainly harm animals.

When animals in a home are abused or neglected, it is a warning sign that others in the household may be in danger.

Commonly Accepted Definition “Socially unacceptable behavior that intentionally causes unnecessary pain, suffering, or distress to and/or death of an animal.” Frank Ascione, 1993 Psychology Professor Utah State Univeristy

Who has a picture of their pet in their phone along with the pictures of family members?

Roles of Pets in US Households AVMA US Pet Ownership & Demographics Sourcebook 2007

To Control an Animal Excessive, cruel physical punishment to shape an animal’s behavior or eliminate undesirable characteristics.

To Retaliate Against an Animal Extreme punishment and revenge for a presumed wrong on the part of an animal. Delight taken in retaliatory punishment Vengeance is intense

To Retaliate Against Another Person Striking back or exacting revenge against someone else by killing, mutilating, or torturing their pet.

The Relationship Between Animal Abuse & Domestic Abuse Robert K. Resler 1937-2013 "Murderers… very often start out by killing and torturing animals as kids." FBI agent and author Psychological profiler of violent offenders Coined the term ‘serial killer’

The Relationship Between Animal Abuse & Domestic Abuse Margaret Mead Anthropologist “One of the most dangerous things that can happen to a child is to kill or torture an animal… and get away with it”.

Notorious Killers Jeffrey Dahmer Impaled dogs’ heads, frogs and cats on sticks. Ted Bundy Claimed responsibility for 30 murders Tortured animals as a teenager

ANIMAL CRUELTY & MASS MURDERERS “Those who abuse animals for no obvious reason are budding psychopaths.” Dr. Randall Lockwood

Rehearsal for Interpersonal Violence “Practicing” violence on animals before engaging in violent acts against other people.

 A 2001-2004 study by the Chicago Police Department "revealed a startling propensity for offenders charged with crimes against animals to commit other violent offenses toward human victims."  Of those arrested for animal crimes, 65% had been arrested for battery against another person…………….

46% admitted acts of animal torture as adolescents 36 convicted murderers 46% admitted acts of animal torture as adolescents +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 7 school shootings 1987-2001 ALL involved boys had previous history of animal cruelty.

Killing, harming, or threatening to harm animals are weapons used by abusers to manipulate victims into silence and to destroy the comfort animals provide.

DV batterers who harm animals are far more dangerous & more violent Simmons, C.A. & Lehmann ( 2007)

18%-48% battered women delay in leaving out of fear for the safety of their animals. Ascione, F.R., Weber, C.V. (2007)

An Undeniable Link Animal abuse is often the first visible sign a family is in trouble. Many victims entering shelters report that their abuser has hurt, killed, or threatened family animals. About a third report their children have harmed animals. Victims often admit an animal is being abused before they admit their own suffering. Animal cruelty investigations frequently unravel chronic domestic abuse

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? 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. Often indicates that an individual either has experienced violence or may be predisposed to committing acts of violence

Is there evidence to connect animal cruelty with human violence Absolutely: many studies in psychology, sociology, and criminology during the past twenty- five years have demonstrated that violent offenders frequently have childhood and adolescent histories of serious and repeated animal cruelty.

Is there evidence to connect animal cruelty with human violence . The FBI has recognized since the 70’s the link between animal cruelty and serial killers. The APA considers animal cruelty one of the diagnostic criteria of conduct disorders.

ANIMAL NEGLECT Animal abuse in form of neglect: 1st indicator? Failing to provide minimal care for family pet? More likely to fail the kids ANIMAL HOARDING? Thoughts?

Statistics on the Animal Cruelty- Domestic Violence Connection 74% of pet owning women who were abused reported that a pet had been threatened, injured or killed by their abuser. A 1983 survey of NJ families found that in 88% of families which were reported for child abuse, at least one person had abused animals.

Why would anyone be cruel to animals Animal cruelty like many other forms of violence, is often committed by a person who feels powerless, unnoticed, and under control of others.

Why would anyone be cruel to animals The motive may be to shock, threaten, intimidate, or offend others or to demonstrate rejection of society’s rules.

Why would anyone be cruel to animals Some who are cruel to animals, copy things they have seen or have been done to them. Others see harming an animal as a safe way to get revenge on someone who cares about that animal

Is it natural for all children to sometimes hurt animals ? Absolutely not: while some children kill insects, few torture pets or small creatures. If allowed to harm animals, children are more likely to be violent later on in life. Animal cruelty, like any other violence, should never be attributed to a stage of development.

What kind of children are cruel to animals ? Serious animal cruelty is seen more in boys than in girls. Children as young as four may harm animals, but cruel behavior is most commonly found during adolescence.

What kind of children are cruel to animals ? Cruelty is often associated with children who do poorly in school, have low self-esteem, and few friends. Children who are cruel to animals are often characterized as bullies and may have a history of vandalism and other anti-social behaviors

What does animal cruelty indicate about family dynamics Research has shown that the child has displaced hostility and aggression stemming from neglect or abuse of the child or of another family member. Often indicates that child abuse and/or domestic violence occurs in that family

What to do if you observe animal cruelty by a child Talk to the child; determine what caused the cruelty Talk with the child’s teachers and friends Seek the help of a family counselor, school counselor, pediatrician or clergy member Report the cruelty to a local animal welfare organization or the police department Alert the child’s school principal or guidance counselor

What should I tell a child about animal cruelty? Explain that animal abuse if often a sign of other serious problems and should be addressed by proper authorities Sort through the child’s feelings if he/she has observed cruelty to animals

What if a “good” child hurts an animal one time? Innocent exploration may be corrected simply by talking with the child BUT, any time a child caused an animal pain or suffering you should take some corrective action

• Children who form a bond with their companion animals score higher on measures of social competence and empathy (Poresky, 1990). • Ten-year-old children who had established strong bonds with their dog had significantly higher self-esteem, as well as greater empathy (Bierer, 2001). • Children perceive their pets as special friends, important family members, and providers of social interactions, affection, and emotional support (Triebenbacher, 1998).

• Children who had a pet during their childhood were more empathetic, more prone to enter a helping profession, and were more oriented toward social values than those without a pet (Vizek-Vidovic, Arambasic, Kerestes, Kuterovac-Jagodic, & Vlahovic-Stetic, 2001). • Children who had increased empathy scores because of their relationship with their pets also showed greater empathy toward people (Ascione & Weber, 1996).

INTERVIEWING CHILDREN Have you or your family ever had any pets? What happened to them? Do you have a pet or pets now? Tell me about them. What are their names? Have you ever lost a pet you really cared about? What happened? Has your pet ever been hurt? Have you ever felt afraid for your pet or worried about bad things happening to your pet? Has anybody ever tried to make you do something you didn’t want to do by threatening to hurt your pet? What happened?

INTERVIEWING CHILDREN Have you ever hurt an animal or pet? What happened? What happens when your family pet misbehaves? Have you ever been punished for something your pet did, like getting into the trash? Or has your pet ever been punished for something you did, like not doing the dishes when you were told to?

What is the difference between exploration and cruelty? Innocent exploration may just be from simple curiosity Cruelty is motivated by a desire to harm Even innocent acts of cruelty should be addressed You must intervene when a child is insensitive to the obvious distress of an animal, repeats a harmful behavior or derives pleasure from causing an animal pain

What happens when authorities prosecute an animal cruelty case? Sentencing can include individual or family counseling, community service, or diversion programs May be the first opportunity to give the family needed help The point is not necessarily to imprison the child but to get the child help

Anonymous Reports & Testifying It is difficult to give anonymous reports as the authorities will need an eye witness to the cruelty to testify at trial

How can I teach my child to respect animals? Teach by example Invite your child to help you care for animals Discuss animal cruelty Encourage your child to speak up for animals

Youth Violence and Animal Cruelty May 20, 1999, Anthony “T.J.” Solomon opened fired at Heritage High School injuring six students. He stated that he enjoyed looking into an animal’s eyes, so he could watch them die.

Youth Violence and Animal Cruelty April 20, 1999 (Littleton, CO) Eric Harris, 18, and Dyland Klebold, 17, brought guns and pipe bombs to their high school and killed thirteen fellow students and one teacher before killing themselves. Several students said that Harris, Klebold, and their friends spoke of mutilating animals. According to news reports, Rev. Don Marxhausen, who officiated at the funeral of Dylan Klebold, said “Yes, the parents knew that the boy had firearms at home, but the biggest gun they knew about was just to shoot the woodpeckers.”

Youth Violence and Animal Cruelty May 21, 1998 (Springfield, OR) Kip Kinkel, 15 walked into his high school cafeteria and opened fire on his classmates. Two classmates were killed and twenty-two others injured, four critically. Later that day police found Kinkel’s parents shot to death in their home. Friends and family indicated that Kinkel had a history of animal abuse. Friends say that he often bragged about torturing and killing animals.

Youth Violence and Animal Cruelty March 24, 1998 (Jonesboro, AR) Mitchell Johnson, 13, and Andrew Golden, 11, shot and killed four students and one teacher during a fire drill at their school. A school friend stated that Golden “said he shoots dogs all the time with a .22.”

Cruelty to Animals The Law Florida Statutes 828.12 A person who unnecessarily overloads, overdrives, torments, deprives of necessary sustenance or shelter, or unnecessarily mutilates , or kills any animal, or causes the same to he done, or carries in or upon any vehicle, or otherwise, an animal in a cruel or inhumane manner is guilty of a first degree misdemeanor.

The Law A person who intentionally commits an act to any animal which results in the cruel death, or excessive or repeated infliction of unnecessary pain or suffering, or causes the same to be done, is guilty of a felony of the third degree.

Oregon  ORS 167.320 makes animal abuse a felony if committed in the presence of a minor child

The Law A veterinarian is immune from a law suit for his/her part in an investigation of cruelty to animals.

Fighting or Baiting of Animals Florida Statutes 828.122 Baiting involves provoking animals to attack one another to train them to fight. It is a 3d degree felony to: bait animals knowingly own, manage or operate a facility for baiting or fighting of animals. promote, advertise or charges admission fee to a fight or baiting between animals.

Fighting or Baiting of Animals Florida Statutes 828.122 It is a 1st degree misdemeanor to: Bet or Wager on an animal baiting or fight Attend the fighting or baiting of animals

Removal of the Animal Florida Statutes 828.073 Any law enforcement officer may take custody of any animal found neglected or cruelly treated. Law enforcement may also order the owner of the animal to provide certain care to the animal at the owner’s expense, instead of removing the animal

The Law Under Florida Statute 828.073 provides for a hearing within 30 days and has specific service of notification requirements. Consult the statute for the exact requirements.

Determining the Fitness of a Person to Have Custody of an Animal Under Florida Statute 828.073, the Court may consider: Officer/Eye witness testimony of the condition of the animal when kept or when seized Testimony as to veterinary care of the animal Testimony as to amount and type of care provided to animal Expert testimony as to type of care that is reasonable

Determining the Fitness of a Person to Have Custody of an Animal Court Considerations cont’d Testimony as to treatment of any other animal the owner had in his/her custody Any past convictions under the animal cruelty statute Any other evidence the Court considers relevant

Action Taken by the Courts Florida Statute 828.073 gives the Court several options as to what to do with an animal once the owner is found unable or unfit to care for an animal. Those options are: Have the Sheriff sell the dog at public auction Order the dog into the custody of the Humane Society

Actions Taken by the Court Court Options Cont’d Order the animal destroyed Order the owner to pay for the costs of the care of the animal while in the custody of the officer who removed the dog Order the owner to turn over all animals he/she owns Keep the owner from possessing or having custody of any future animals

SHELTERS THAT HOUSE PETS http://alliephillips.com/saf-tprogram/saf-t-shelters/ http://www.thehotline.org/help/pets/