Animal Abuse Expands into Human Abuse

For those of us who adore and love animals, the thought of animal abuse sickens us. As research reveals, there is a much larger picture than just the well being, and life of a creature. First let us define what the of animal abuse is. 

The definition of cruelty to animals according to Wikipedia Free Encyclopedia is as follows: “Cruelty to animals refers to treatment, which causes unacceptable suffering or harm to nonhuman animals.” The definition means different things to different people. There are those that feel suffering which isn’t acceptable would be that of a sadistic act. Others would feel that producing fur or meat from animals is unacceptable, including the testing of animals. 

Over the years studies have shown that those whom inflict pain on animals will reach a point where they will advance this behavior onto humans, many times even killing them. Studies also indicate that many serial killers have a history of crulety to animals. It also should be noted that 75% of violent offenders in prison today have early records of animal cruelty. 

There was a time that animal abuse was not looked on as a big deal. Most people didn’t even think about reporting it to authorities. Thankfully, things have changed. Abusers now receive not only charges of misdemeanors, but felons in some cases. These abusers, receive media attention in addition to punishment to the fullest extend of the law. 

Women that seek shelter from an abusive mate report their partners have also injured or abused a family pet, in 54-71% of cases. 

If a child experiences violence they may in return abuse animals as they see it as a way to be in control of something. More than 80% of families in treatment for child abuse have also abused family pets.

In determining the chances of a youth becoming a violent citizen, the justice department places great importance on a history of animal abuse. 

A quote from Immanuel Kant says: "He who is cruel to animals becomes hard also in his dealings with men. We can judge the heart of a man by his treatment of animals."