By Richard Johnston
By Richard Johnston
The Connecticut Humane Society has long recognized a connection between animal cruelty and violent behavior toward humans. Animal cruelty is often a sign that violence toward humans is present in the aggressorâs life or that the person has the potential to be violent towards humans.
Having witnesses this cycle too long, the Society is supporting legislation currently before the U.S. House of Representatives that urges federal agencies to support the research of the Humane Society of the United States First Strike Campaign. The program aims to increase public awareness about the relationship between animal cruelty and human violence. U.S. Rep Christopher Shays (R-CT) and U.S Rep Tom Lantos (D-CA) introduced the legislation.
Research has shown that adult violent criminals often begin their pattern of behavior as children who were cruel to animals. Investigations into the recent rash of school shootings in the United States have shown that many of these violent young people had a history of torturing and killing animals. Research has shown this also is often true of serial killers.
Animal cruelty may also be an indication that a child is being abused. Research has shown that children, out of helplessness against their abusers, may turn against animals to express their rage. Other children may kill a family pet rather than see it exposed to continual violence or abuse.
In 1983 a survey by the New Jersey Division of Family and Youth Services indicated that in families under treatment for child abuse, 88 percent had at least on family member who had abused animals.
Animal abuse is a sign that a family is already suffering from violent behaviors or that a young person has the potential to someday turn violent against human beings.
In addition to supporting this important legislation, there are other ways to help break this cycle of violence and cruelty.
First, take animal cruelty seriously. Remember that it can be sign of other violence or the potential for other violence.
Second, learn to identify the signs of animal abuse. These include depriving an animal of food, water, shelter, socialization or veterinary care; or torturing, maiming or mutilating an animal.
Third, report animal cruelty to your local police department or the Connecticut Humane Society. Donât let anyone tell you an incidence of animal cruelty is not a serious matter.
Fourth, support humane education in your local schools.
It stands to reason that if cruelty to animals has manifestations in behavior toward other people, so should kindness. It is time to support research and programs that will work to end this cycle of violence and abuse.
(The Connecticut Humane Society is a private, non-profit organization with headquarters located at 701 Russell Rd., Newington, CT 06111; 860/594-4502. The Society operates animal shelters in Newington, Bethany, Waterford and Westport).