Understanding Animal Cruelty a Resource Book for High-School Students and Their Teachers

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Table of Contents Introduction...... 1 How Is Animal Cruelty Defined?...... 2 Making the Connection: Animal Cruelty and Human Violence...... 5 Animal Cruelty and the Law...... 11 Breaking the Cycle of Abuse...... 17 Resources...... 21

Supervising Editor ...... Bill DeRosa © 2002 NAHEE. Understanding Animal Cruelty is published by Editor ...... Jessica Vanase the National Association for Humane and Environmental Edu- Contributing Editors . . . . . Randall Lockwood, Ph.D. cation (NAHEE), youth education division of The Humane Ginger Prevas Society of the United States (HSUS), and Humane Society Andrew Rowan, Ph.D. Press. To receive additional copies (available for $3 each) or Lesia Winiarskyj to learn about other materials for high-school students, write Designer ...... Deborah Prater to The HSUS Youth Education Division, P.O. Box 362, East Haddam, CT 06423-0362. E-mail [email protected]. Understanding Animal Cruelty may also be viewed online and downloaded at www.humaneteen.org. For more information on animal cruelty and other animal protection issues, write to The HSUS, 2100 L Street, NW, Wash- ington, DC 20037, or call (202) 452-1100. Visit the HSUS ISBN 0-941246-10-8 on the Web at www.hsus.org.

West Virginia residents may obtain a summary of The HSUS’s registration and financial documents from the Secretary of State, State Capitol, Charleston, WV 25305. Registration does not imply endorsement by the State. Virginia residents may obtain a copy of The HSUS’s financial statement from the State Division of Consumer Affairs, Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Richmond, VA 23209. FLORIDA RESIDENTS MAY OBTAIN A COPY OF THE HSUS’S OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 1-800-435-7352 WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. Maryland residents may obtain a copy of The HSUS’s current financial statement from the Maryland Secretary of State by contacting The HSUS, 2100 L Street, NW, Washington, DC 20037, (202) 452-1100.

Printed on recycled paper Plantation Key, Florida. Halloween night. Three young men lure raccoons into the open with dog food and attack them with baseball bats. Two of the animals die. Another raccoon, criti- upon whose natural environment he encroaches. This cally injured, is later eutha- responsibility, we believe, must be shared by all people. nized by animal control officers. It is wrong to kill animals needlessly or for entertainment or to cause animals pain or torment. Loxahatchee, Florida. Shack, a lost pet pit bull, is thrown into It is wrong to fail to provide adequate food, a pit with a trained fighting shelter, and care for animals for which man dog. After 15 minutes, the has accepted the responsibility. bloody, bruised dog is clearly In its mission to reduce animal suffering, beaten and removed from the The HSUS oversees a variety of animal ring. Chained to a fence, protection programs, including disaster Shack dies hours later from his relief and rehabilitation services, investiga- wounds. tions, and legislative and consumer advo- Fairfield, Iowa. Three cacy campaigns. Whether we are providing

E. Sakach/HSUS emergency aid to farm animals, encourag- teenagers break into Noah’s © Ark, a sanctuary for abandoned cats. Armed ing pet owners to spay or neuter their ani- with baseball bats, the boys bludgeon sixteen mals, investigating the trade in dog and cats to death and severely wound seven others. cat fur, or working to strengthen laws on trapping, cockfighting, or whale hunting, key to all of The HSUS’s efforts to prevent animal suffering is public education about animal cruelty A and other animal protection issues. nimal cruelty takes many Understanding Animal Cruelty will help you become forms and many victims, more familiar with the concepts and causes associ- but the end result is ated with animal cruelty, the connection between always the same: animal suffer- animal abuse and human violence, laws that ing. And address mistreatment of animals, and ways you can that is the make a difference. As you read this booklet, we basic encourage you to review the questions and activi- theme ties that appear throughout. They’ll help you think underlying through the issues and suggest ways for you to nearly become meaningfully involved. Should you wish to every issue delve deeper, we’ve included references to other addressed animal protection materials, books, and Internet by The sites at the end of this booklet. For more informa- Humane tion, please visit us at www.hsus.org and www Society of .humaneteen.org. the United States (HSUS). Read these Think About It excerpts from our Statement Before reading any further, write your own defini- of Principles and Beliefs: tion of animal cruelty. You may wish to provide a The primary and motivating few examples of what you perceive as cruel treat- concern of The Humane Society ment of animals. If you limit your definition of of the United States is the prevention of cruelty to all cruelty to particular circumstances or living creatures. We are mindful that man has been animals, explain why. Set your defini- uniquely endowed with a sense of moral values. For this tion aside; we will come back to it. reason, we believe he is responsible for the welfare of those animals that he has domesticated and those 1 HOW IS ANIMAL CRUELTY DEFINED?

In the broadest sense, animal cruelty encompasses over an animal or to control an animal’s actions. An a range of behaviors harmful to animals, from example of animal abuse occurs when an animal neglect to malicious killing. Most cruelty cases trainer whips an elephant to force the animal to investigated by humane officers are acts of uninten- perform circus tricks. tional neglect that can be resolved through educa- Neglect Intentional cruelty occurs when people fail to provide their tion. is abuse by which a per- animals with proper shelter, food, water, attention, son knowingly deprives an animal of food, water, grooming, or veterinary care. Cases of neglect are shelter, socialization, or veterinary care or involves acts of omission rather than commission and do maliciously torturing, maiming, mutilating, or killing not give satisfaction to the person whose animals an animal. are neglected. An example of neglect may be found Animal cruelty has also been defined more narrow- in the home of someone who “collects” animals. ly, in ways that more specifically and precisely dis- See “When Too Much Is No Good Thing” (right). tinguish it from neglect and other forms of animal Use of animals mistreatment. Dr. Andrew Rowan, senior vice presi- for profit or dent of The HSUS and the former director of the other personal Center for Animals and Public Policy at the College gain sometimes of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, has typology results in suf- developed a , or classification, that fering. Raising divides the blanket term “animal cruelty” into four animals for distinct definitions: cruelty, abuse, neglect, and use food is one . example of ani- According to Dr. Rowan’s typology, cruelty occurs mal use. People who use animals do not typically when a person’s motivation for causing animal suf- experience emotional satisfaction from inflicting fering is to gain pleasure or satisfaction. Acts of harm on them; usually they view the consequences cruelty are deliberate and often premeditated, or of their harmful behaviors as a “necessary evil.” In planned. An example of cruel behavior is setting a fact, it is not uncommon for people who use ani- cat’s tail on fire for fun. mals to take steps to minimize animal suffering. Abuse occurs when someone causes an animal to As a general rule, when we use the term “cruelty” in suffer as a way of achieving dominance or a this booklet, we are referring to intentional harm behavioral response. That individual does not caused to an animal for someone’s satisfaction, necessarily enjoy harming animals for harm’s sake. pleasure, or other psychological need. Rather, he or she is trying to demonstrate power

CATEGORIES OF HUMAN BEHAVIOR AND MOTIVATION ASSOCIATED WITH ANIMAL USE THAT SOMETIMES CAUSES DISTRESS Type of Action Actor’s motivation Animal Suffering Societal Attitude

Cruelty Takes satisfaction from suffering Always Condemnation Abuse Satisfaction derived from Usually Condemnation dominance or behavioral response Neglect No satisfaction derived Usually Condemnation

Source: “Cruelty and Abuse to Animals: A Typology,” by Andrew N. Rowan. Child Abuse, Domestic Violence, and Animal Abuse, ed. by Frank R. Ascione and Phil Arkow (West Lafayette, IN: Purdue UniversityUse Press, 1999). Justified by claims to personal or Sometimes Approval when societal gains attempts are made to minimize suffering 2 When Too Much Is No Good Thing

Hazel S. professed a deep love for animals, especially cats. In fact, the sixty-one-year-old woman wel- comed homeless animals into her tiny, ramshackle home in Starke, Florida. The problem is that Hazel S. soon lost control of her situation. By the time she was investigated, Hazel had 150 cats in her home. Unable to properly and humanely care for them in a sanitary environment with adequate food and veterinary care, she was ordered by a court to relinquish, or give up, all but six cats. The others were in such poor health that they had to be euthanized. Hazel is known as an animal collector or hoarder. Hoarders are people who accumulate large numbers of companion animals, more than they can properly care for. (The vast majority of hoarders—one esti- mate suggests 76%—are women.) Typically, hoarders acquire dozens or even hundreds of animals over a period of several years before being discovered. Because they are unable to care for so many animals, hoarders inevitably neglect them, keeping them in squalid conditions beyond imagination. Yet, as hard as it is to understand, many animal HSUS hoarders feel great concern about their animals. How is © that possible? Experts suggest that animal hoarders suffer from any one of a number of psychological problems. These include obsessive-compulsive disorder, addiction, zoophilia, and a need for power or control. To learn more about animal hoarders, the harm they cause, sug- S. Woodvine/HSUS

gestions for interventions, and psychological theories © that may explain their behavior, see “People Who Hoard Animals,” by Dr. Randy Frost, in the April 2000 issue of Psychiatric Times (www.psychiatrictimes.com).

Think About It movement and feeding an iron-deficient • How does your definition of cruelty compare diet are standard pro-

with that given in Dr. Rowan’s typology? Is your arm Sanctuary cedures in veal pro- definition more specific or less so? Do the exam- ©F duction. ples you offer match the motivation and results outlined in his typology? • A man shares his • Suppose you are investigating a case in which home with 30 dogs. someone has withheld food and water from an He cannot afford to animal for several days. How would you go about provide all of them with adequate veterinary care determining whether this is a case of cruelty, or food. abuse, or neglect according to Dr. Rowan’s typol- • A group of children throws frogs against trees. ogy? How might you assess the person’s motives • A trainer strikes a dog across the face for not for not providing the animal with food and water? responding to a command. Questions and Issues for Discussion • A biological supply company euthanizes cats and Using Dr. Rowan’s typology, how would you catego- sells them to high schools for dissection. rize each of the following situations: as an example • A woman withholds water from her dog for an of cruelty, abuse, neglect, or use? extended period of time to prevent him from uri- • A farmer chains a veal calf in a darkened room nating in her home. and feeds him a liquid diet. Restricting the calf’s 3 • A scientist places a chemical irritant into a rab- bit’s eyes to test a household cleaner. the second is found guilty of animal cruelty; the third is the owner of a large-scale egg-laying Explore the Issues operation • How does your dictionary define “cruelty,” who withheld “abuse,” and “neglect”? food from his • How have some thinkers influenced Western soci- chickens to

speed up egg HSUS ety’s ideas about animal cruelty? Some people to © research include Porphyry, St. Thomas Aquinas, production, Immanuel Kant, Marquis de Sade, Montaigne, Jere- in an accept- my Bentham, Henry Salt, Andrew Linzey, Thomas ed farming Berry, Henry Bergh, George Angell, and Albert practice Schweitzer. Prepare a paper on your findings. Here known as “forced molting.” How, if at all, should are some ideas: Write a report or construct a time- the treatment, intervention, and legal repercus- line illustrating how these and other thinkers have sions differ for each of these three cases? influenced society’s views on animal cruelty. Write • When deciding how to treat different cases, an essay comparing and contrasting two or more how much consideration should be given to the individuals’ views. Compose an opinion paper sup- person’s motivations? How much consideration porting or refuting one of these people’s beliefs. Isshould Anim beal Cgivenruel ttoy Wtheid numberespread of? animals affect- ed and/or to the degree of their suffering? Proud of your project? Send it to us! We may pub- Explain your answers. lish it in our Web site for teens, www.humaneteen .org. Send your paper, along with your name, age, grade, school, and hometown to humaneteen @nahee.org Visit the homepage of nearly any animal protection . or anti-cruelty site and you’ll find scores of true Ta ke Action animal cruelty reports, much like the ones used to introduce this booklet. Chances are, if you men- Form an animal protection club at your school. For tioned animal abuse to friends or relatives, they’d tips and activity suggestions, visit www.humane- share a few cases they have witnessed or heard teen.org. Click on “Start a Club.” At your first about. Stories of animal cruelty also abound in meeting, consider hosting a discussion about vari- newspapers and on TV. Just because so many sto- ous definitions of animal cruelty, including the ones ries are readily available, however, does not neces- offered in this booklet. Doing so will allow your sarily mean that animal cruelty is on the rise. club members to gain a clearer understanding of some of the causes and motivations behind animal So, just suffering and may help you decide which issues to how com- address as a club. mon is animal Think About It cruelty?

• Why might it be important for animal protec- How fre- HSUS tion organizations, law enforcement officials, ani- quently © mal control officers, veterinarians, and others to are inten- agree on clear definitions of animal cruelty, tional acts abuse, use, and neglect—definitions that include of abuse the motivations, or reasons, behind each behav- committed? The simplest answer is that we don’t ior? Should those definitions prescribe the way know. Few statistics are available on the prevalence different cases are treated by social service agen- of animal cruelty and abuse in our society. One rea- cies and courts of law? Take the case of three son is that there is a lack of consensus on what individuals, each of whom has caused animals to constitutes animal cruelty. Also, there is no central-

4starve to death: one is classified as a “hoarder”; ized reporting system for cruelty cases. The few available studies, however, indicate that neglect cases vastly outnumber cases involving intentional publicize your results? cruelty or abuse. Ta ke Action Think About It Conduct a schoolwide poll to gain a sense of the Do you think it would be helpful to have statistics prevalence of animal cruelty in your community. on animal cruelty? Why or why not? Note that it is helpful to clearly define for your poll participants what constitutes animal cruelty. One Questions and Issues for Discussion approach you may wish to take is to use Dr. Rowan’s How could differing definitions of animal cruelty definition of cruelty: Animal cruelty occurs when affect how data are collected and interpreted? someone intentionally causes an animal to suffer for Explore the Issues personal pleasure or satisfaction. Using this definition will eliminate confusion between issues of use You’re in charge of the newly and neglect. Here is one sample poll question you formed National Council may wish to include: Have you ever witnessed an on Animal Cruelty. Your act of animal cruelty? If so, please provide the fol- first assignment is to lowing details: date, time, place, and a description develop a plan for col- of the act. Also consider interviewing an animal lecting national animal control officer. Some questions you may wish to cruelty statistics. What orga- ask include: How many animal cruelty cases do you nizations would you ask to par- investigate on a yearly basis? What types of situa- ticipate, and what methods might they use to tions do you most often see? Do you believe that obtain statistics? What definition(s) of animal cru- animal cruelty is on the rise? elty would you use? HowM wouldAK youIN reportG T andHE CONNECTION: ANIMAL CRUELTY AND HUMAN VIOLENCE

In his childhood, self-confessed “Boston Strangler” violence was first recognized in the 1970s, when Albert DeSalvo trapped dogs and cats in orange the FBI analyzed the life histories of imprisoned crates and shot arrows through the boxes. Before serial killers and discovered that many, as children, he was ever charged with the murders of the thir- had killed or tortured animals. Today, animal cruelty teen women he admitted to killing, DeSalvo himself is recognized as a sign of serious psychological dis- was killed in prison. He had been serving time on tress. It often indicates that a person has either an unrelated rape conviction. experienced violence firsthand or has a greater- When he was thirteen, Edmund Emil Kemper III than-average likelihood of becoming violent toward decapitated neighborhood cats and put their heads people. Not only have experts documented this link on poles. He also decapitated and cut into small in the lives of serial killers but they have also pieces his own pet cat—exactly what he did to his acknowledged that in homes where animal abuse mother in later years. Kemper was convicted in occurs, child abuse or other domestic violence is 1973 of the murders of eight women. more likely to occur as well. As a child, Jeffrey Dahmer impaled frogs, decapitat- In recent years, many studies sought to improve ed dogs, and staked cats to trees in his backyard. our understanding of these important connections. As an adult, Dahmer became a notorious serial In 1997, the Massachusetts Society for the Preven- killer. He was sentenced to death for killing, dis- tion of Cruelty to Animals (MSPCA) and North- membering, and in some cases cannibalizing 17 eastern University analyzed prosecuted cruelty men and boys. cases reported to the MSPCA between 1975 and 1996. Their findings included the following: 5 The connection between animal cruelty and human • Animal abusers were more likely to commit • Many animal protection organizations emphasize not only acts of violence against people but also the seriousness of animal cruelty by pointing out property crimes, drug-related crimes, and its relationship to human violence. Why might they crimes of public disorder. do that? Do you think this minimizes the impor- • The majority of cruelty cases involved cats or tance of animal cruelty as an issue by itself? Why dogs, with dogs being the most common tar- or why not? gets. • Abused animals were usually owned, not Explore the Issues strays. • Choose two animal protection organizations to • Animal cruelty suspects were almost always research. (Many such organizations, listed at the young males; complainants were usually female. end of this book, publish information on the sub- • Minors prosecuted for animal cruelty were ject of animal cruelty.) Compare their findings with more likely to have abused cats;fo adultsllow prose- those of the MSPCA’s study. Are the findings simi- cuted for animal crueltyprece dweree more likely to lar? Do any of them conflict? have abused dogs. • Animal abuse was as likely to other • Why does the FBI crimes as it was to them. take the connection

(Arluke A. and C. Luke, 1997. “Physical cruelty toward animals in Massachusetts, 1975-1996.” between animal cruel- ToSociety learn & Animals: more Journal about of Human-Animal this Relations.study,5:3.) visit www.numag ty and violent crime .neu.edu/9709/FTheF997.html or www.psyeta seriously? Find out in .org/sa/sa5.3/Arluke1.html. “Deadly Serious: An FBI Perspective on Animal Cruelty,” The In 2001, The HSUS published a national study of HSUS’s interview high-profile animal cruelty cases in the U.S. Their with FBI supervisory study found that 92% of intentional animal cruelty special agent Alan was committed by males. Twenty percent of those Brantley. To order cases were committed by people 18 or younger. To Uyournd efreersta copyndin gof t hthise R fasci-isks read this study in its entirety, see www.hsus.org/ace/13843 nating article, call 1-888-213-0956 or e-mail . [email protected]. Think About It • Which of the findings from the MSPCA or Based on the FBI’s finding that many serial killers HSUS studies surprise you? Which don’t? tortured and killed animals before murdering Explain. humans, people commonly assume that anyone • Why do you suppose pets (more often than who hurts an animal gradually progresses to human stray animals) were the targets of animal cruelty? victims. This theory, however, has never been sub- Questions and Issues for Discussion stantiated by research, and experts caution against relying on the so-called graduation assumption. • Throughout this booklet, research is cited to sub- One good reason is that not all children who delib- stantiate claims about the connection between ani- erately hurt animals grow up to harm people. (In mal cruelty and human violence. Do you think it is fact, only the smallest fraction of people who are important for animal protection groups to cite pub- cruel to animals become serial killers or mass mur- lished research when educating the public about derers.) Think of it this way: People who are cruel this link? Why or why not? to animals do not necessarily graduate to human • Should animal protection organizations fund victims because they have harmed animals; no research studies that explore the link between ani- “cause-and-effect” relationship has been proven. mal abuse and human violence? What about gov- What research currently tells us is that people who ernment agencies or other groups? Explain your are violent in general are likely to be violent to all 6 answers. creatures, both humans and nonhuman animals. When these individuals are children, they may higher degree of intentional, premeditated violence. choose animals as objects of their cruelty because • Intimacy of infliction of injury. Abuse that animals are easier, more vulnerable victims. As they involves direct physical contact or restraint and get older, their selection of potential victims may— obvious opportunity to witness the victim’s or may not—expand to include humans. response (e.g., beating, strangling, crushing, stab- Still, there are many warning signals that indicate bing) may be a more serious indicator than actions whether an animal abuser’s violent patterns will that are more remote (e.g., shooting, poisoning, continue and potentially involve humans. Dr. Ran- hitting with a car). dall Lockwood, HSUS Vice President for Research • Absence of economic motive. Suggests that the and Educational Outreach, is an expert on the ani- act itself was sufficiently rewarding to the perpetra- mal cruelty/human violence connection. He is fre- tor. quently called upon to assist law enforcement and • Animal victim was sexually assaulted or muti- court officers to evaluate whether an animal abuser lated in genital areas, or perpetrator indicated is at risk of committing violence against others in sexual arousal as a consequence of the abuse. the future. Dr. Lockwood has compiled a list of 32 risk factors based on studies of animal cruelty acts Many serial rapists and sexual homicide perpetra- reported by violent offenders, studies of animal tors report sexual arousal through violent domi- abuse committed in association with domestic nance of animals, and so eroticization of violence and/or child abuse, criteria used in threat assess- toward animals should be considered a warning ment by the National Center for the Analysis of sign for more generalized violence. Violent Crime, and general characteristics of habit- • Perpetrator documented the act of animal ual violent offenders. Dr. Lockwood notes that the abuse through photos, video, or diary entries; presence of five of these aggravating factors is perpetrator returned at least once to the scene cause for serious concern; more than ten can indi- of the abuse to relive the experience. The memo- cate a high potential that the offender has been or rialization or documentation of cruelty indicates will be involved in acts of violence against people. that acts of violence are a continuing source of Following are some of those determining factors. pleasure for the perpetrator and may indicate the • Number of victims; severity of injury; repeti- likelihood of reenactment, repetition, or escalation tion of injuries on individual victims. Several ani- of violence to reach the same rewarding emotional mals killed or injured in the same instance suggests state. a greater potential for uncontrolled violence. Also, • Animal victim was posed or otherwise dis- perpetrators who have inflicted multiple blows, stab played. This indicates the use of violence to gain wounds, or other injuries on a victim have a higher feelings of power and domination or to alarm or risk for future violence. intimidate others and should be considered a seri- • Victim vulnerability. Violence against particularly ous warning sign of potential for escalated or small, harmless, or nonthreatening animals indicates repeated violence. that perpetrators gain a sense of power and con- Explore the Issues trol through violence against those least likely to retaliate. “I made my first kill today. It was a loved one...I’ll • Act was premeditated; act involved overcom- never forget the howl she made. It sounded almost ing obstacles to initiate or complete the abuse; human...I’ll never forget the sound of her bones break- victim was bound or otherwise physically inca- ing under my might. I hit her so hard I knocked the fur off her neck...It was true beauty.” pacitated. Long-term planning of violent acts suggests the possibility of psychopathic thought This journal entry was written by Luke Woodham, processes. Abuse that includes binding, securing then 16. Along with a friend, he beat his pet dog, with tape, confining to a box, or otherwise render- doused her with gasoline, and set her on fire. Six months later, Woodham stabbed his mother to ing an animal incapable of escape is suggestive of a 7 Scruffy’s Story death and went on a shooting spree at his Pearl, Mississippi, high school, killing two students and injuring seven others. Dr. Lockwood developed his list of risk factors in response to an animal cruelty case that occurred Like serial killers, mass murderers—such as notori- in Kansas City, Kansas. On June 27, 1997, four ous school shooters Kip Kinkel, Dylan Klebold, Eric young men aged 17 to 21 tortured and killed a Harris, Andrew Golden, and Michael Carneal—are dog named Scruffy. They choked the tiny York- often reported to have histories of animal cruelty. shire terrier, tied him in a trash bag, and set the (Mass murderers differ from serial killers in that bag on fire. When that didn’t kill the dog, the they kill their victims over a comparatively short men attempted to decapitate Scruffy with a time, usually within hours; victims are often select- shovel and finally ended up beating the dog to ed at random or from a group of “scapegoats.” Ser- death. To make matters worse, they had video- ial killers typically kill one person at a time, extend- taped their horrific acts and made copies of the ing their murders over months or even years. They video as entertainment to share with their often prefer to stalk and murder people who share friends. Details about Scruffy’s story and the similar physical characteristics.) perpetrators’ convictions may readily be found Investigate a mass murder in recent history in which online; simply enter “Scruffy” into any search the murderer had a personal history of animal cru- engine. elty. Compare the circumstances and motivations behind that person’s treatment of animals with Lockwood’s risk factors above. Which risk factors, if • to enhance one’s own aggressiveness, impressing Wany,h ydid Ar thee P eperpetratorople Cruel exhibit?to Anim Wereals? those risk others with one’s capacity for violence; factors observed or noted by anyone before the • to shock people for amusement; person murdered people? • to retaliate against another person, getting revenge by harming that person’s animals; • as a way of dealing with hostility toward a person; When determining whether or not someone who “displacement” is common in violent families, where harms animals is a potential threat to society, it is physically abused children abuse animals to “get motivation (Kellert, S.R., and A.R. Felthous. 1985. “Childhood cruelty toward animals among criminals crucial to identify the person’s . People evand en”noncriminals.” for the Human beatings; Relations. 38:1113-29.) who cause animals to suffer through neglect or use • nonspecific sadism, without any particular provo- (for example, a boy who forgets to feed his dog or cation, to derive pleasure from causing suffering. a farmer who confines pigs in factory farms) are not more likely than others to commit violent crimes in the future. Think About It Animal cruelty, like any other form of violence, is • Many, if not most, animal abusers exhibit more often committed by people who feel powerless, than a single motivation. Which of the motiva- unnoticed, and under the control of others. Animal tions above might you ascribe to a man who abusers tend to objectify their victims (that is, to abuses his girlfriend’s dog? A serial killer who think of them as “things”) and disregard their feel- decapitates cats? A gang member who trains his ings. In addition, researchers have identified the pit bull terrier for dogfights by teaching him to following nine motives for animal cruelty: attack stray cats? A teenager, driving with his friends, who runs over a raccoon on purpose? A • to control the animal, eliminating presumably woman who shoots squirrels who raid her bird undesirable characteristics; feeders? • to retaliate against a presumed wrong by the animal; • Anthropologist Margaret Mead once wrote, • to satisfy a prejudice against a species or breed; “One of the most dangerous things that can hap- • to instill violent tendencies in the animal to cause pen to a child is to kill or torture an animal and get away with it.” What do you think she meant? 8it to attack others; Questions and Issues for Discussion theFam subject.ily Vio lYouence can an dalso th epoint Fam istudentsly Pet to the downloadable version of Understanding Animal Cru- • Do you think people elty at www.humaneteen.org. who deliberately harm or kill insects are necessarily more likely to hurt peo- While the role of animal cruelty in the lives of serial ple? Why or why not? killers and other mass murderers has attracted • Why might parents, law enforcement officials, and much media attention, more and more attention is psychologists react with more concern when abuse being paid to its role in family violence, including is directed toward a family pet than, say, a wild child abuse. Numerous studies indicate that in mammal or an insect? Do you agree with that reac- homes where animal abuse is taking place, child tion? Why or why not? and spouse abuse are likely occurring as well. Con- • A school psychologist sider the following statistics:

once asked a humane (DeViney,• A study E., J. Dickert, of New and R. Lockwood.1983.Jersey families “The care withof pets withina history child abusing of fami- officer, “What’s the dif- physicallies.” International abuse Journal forof the children Study of Animal found Problems. that4:321-29.) in 88% of ference if a boy shoots a pet-owning families at least one person had abused deer or shoots a dog?” an animal. How would (Hutton,• A study J.S. 1981. by “Animal the abuse Royal as a diagnostic SPCA approach in Great in social work:Britain A pilot study.”found In you answer this question? What A.H. Katcher, and A.M. Beck, eds., New perspectives on our lives with companion animals. Philadelphia:that 83% University of familiesof Pennsylvania with Press.) a history of animal abuse do you think the two acts might had also been identified by social service agencies tell us about the boy involved? as being at risk for child abuse or neglect. Explore the Issues

Rates of violence, particularly animal cruelty, are (Ascione,• Seventy-one F.R. 1998. “Battered percent women’s reports of battered of their partners’ women and their children’s in a Utahcruelty highest among males. Experts suggest a wide vari- safehouseto animals.” Journal reported of Emotional Abuse that 1(1):119-33.) their partners had either ety of reasons for this disproportion, including threatened, harmed, or killed their companion ani- genetic factors, biological differences between men mals. and women, abnormal hormone levels, and socialization that encourages men to be more aggressive • In a survey of 50 shelters for battered women, and less sensitive than women. Write a research 85% of shelters reported that their clients reveal paper exploring the possible reasons most violence (Ascione,incidents F.R., C.V. of Weber, pet and abuse D.S. Wood. at 1997. home. “The abuse Sixty-three of animals and domesticpercent vio- is committed by men. You may wish to focus on a lence: A national survey of shelters for women who are battered.” Society and Animals. 5(3):205-18.)of shelters surveyed reported that children in their specific subject, such as serial murders, child abuse, facilities talked about incidents of pet abuse in the or animal cruelty. One book that will prove invalu- family. able to your report is The Lost Boys: Why Our Sons (Ascione et al. 1997.) Turn Violent and How We Can Save Them, by James Garbarino, Ph.D. (New York: The Free Press, 1999). • Sixty-two percent of battered women report that their children have witnessed animal abuse. Ta ke Action • Ask your school librarian to order books that Think About It explore the connection between animal cruelty and In the last survey cited, 83% of shelters indicated human violence. (The list at the end of this booklet that they have observed the coexistence of is a good starting point.) domestic violence and pet abuse, but only 27% • Write an article for your school newspaper that included questions relating to pet abuse in their highlights some facts about the animal cruelty/ intake interviews. (An intake interview is the initial human violence link. In your article, include refer- gathering of information by social workers to determine how best to help women entering shel- ences to Web sites that offer more information on 9 ter.) Do you think that gap is problematic? Why such data? Does your shelter or a nearby animal or why not? shelter offer temporary homes to pets of battered women? How can teens help children, adults, and Questions and Issues for Discussion animals who are victims of domestic violence? In April 1999, Leonard Kritz killed his wife’s pets. • To learn about several programs that provide a His wife, Stacy, testified that he stabbed or cut the safe haven for pets of domestic violence victims, heads off of the eight animals—birds, snakes, and read “Forgotten Victims of Domestic Violence,” by a chinchilla—“as part of a punishment” and to Vicki Stevens. The short article is posted online at teach her “the importance of life.” www.ddal.org/AGFall00part2.html. Unfortunately, cases like this one are not uncommon. Some abusive adults may harm pets at home Ta ke Action as a way of intimidating or controlling their spous- Organize a schoolwide collection for women and es or children (“If you don’t do what I say, this children who are victims of domestic violence. Con- could happen to you”) or keep them from leaving tact your local women’s shelter to see if they the abusive situation (“I’ll kill your pet if you accept such donations and what items they find leave”). The Utah safehouse study found that 20% most useful. Typically, shelters appreciate dona- of battered women delayed leaving an abusive situ- tions of clean clothing and coats in good condi- ation for fear that their pet would be harmed. tion; new or lightly used toys or children’s books; What might be some solutions to that problem? and personal care items, such as toothbrushes, combs, soaps, and other toiletries. Explore the Issues To report domestic violence, call the National • Contact your nearest women’s shelter and Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE request an interview with the shelter director or a 7233; 1-800-787-3224 (TDD). caseworker. Questions to ask include: Do the To report child abuse, call the National Child women seeking refuge at your shelter report animal Abuse Hotline: 1-800-4-A-CHILD; 1-800-2-A- cruelty in their homes? Do you record data on pet CHILD (TDD). ownership and animal cruelty among your clients? To report sexual abuse, call the Rape, Abuse, If so, do you find such data useful, and how? If not, When Children Hurt AnimalsIncest Network at 1-800-656-HOPE. what might be some reasons that you don’t record

Ask any pet-owning parent of a toddler: Kids and animals can be a challeng- ing combination. After all, children are infinitely curious and naturally attracted to those amazing furry critters who walk, move, play, and communicate in their own ways. Even more fascinating to some children is how animals respond to them: What will the cat do if I pet her gently? Will the dog jump if I throw my ball at him? If I pull the cat’s tail, he makes a funny sound. Such inno- cent exploration can easily be guided and corrected by loving, attentive adults. Still, some children persist in harming or tormenting animals well past the age of curious exploration. Such behavior is seen more often in boys than in girls and may appear as early as age four. Children who persist in mistreating animals typically have low self-esteem and few friends. They tend to do poorly in school and may also engage in vandalism, truancy, and other antisocial behaviors. Research shows that children who abuse animals are likely experiencing or witnessing violence in their own homes. Abused children often “act out” their own experiences on pets or release their fear and frus- 10 tration by harming animals. For those reasons—and because purposely harming animals is, quite simply, wrong—experts strongly recommend that any acts of animal cruelty by children be taken seriously. Early identification and intervention may help these children break the cycle of violence. Childhood cruelty to animals can also be a sign of conduct disorder. The American Psychiatric Associa- tion lists animal cruelty as a symptom of this serious psychological condition, which is defined as a repetitive and persistent pattern of behavior in which the basic rights of others or major age-appropriate societal norms or rules are violated. Learn more about conduct disorder at www.psych.org and www.apa.orgA. NIMAL CRUELTY AND THE LAW

Common sense tells most of us that causing ani- be weary, or hungry, or fall sick, or lambe, It shall be mals to suffer needlessly is morally wrong. But is it lawful to rest or refresh them, for a competent time, in legal? What rights do animals have to be protected any open place that is not Corne, meadow, or inclosed from harm? Can—or should—people be punished for some peculiar use. Tforh eacts His ofto ranimaly of A ncruelty?ti-Crue Iflt yso, L ahow?ws In this section, we will examine the relationship between ani- Think About It mal cruelty and animal protection. What animals do you think were protected under Liberty 92? In 1828, the New York state legislature enacted our Historically, animals have been considered property country’s first animal anti-cruelty law. The law without legal rights. In 1641, however, the first-ever states, “…every person who shall maliciously kill, legislation to protect animals from cruel treatment maim, or wound any horse, ox, or other cattle, or was passed in Colonial America. In their legal code, sheep, belonging to another, or shall maliciously “The Body of Liberties,” the Puritans of the Massa- and cruelly beat or torture any such animal, chusetts Bay Colony forbade cruelty to animals. whether belonging to himself or another, shall, Read the following excerpts from “The Body of Lib- upon conviction, be adjudged guilty of a misde- erties”: meanor.” Massachusetts, Connecticut, Wisconsin, OFF THE BRUITE CREATURE and other states followed suit with similar laws. These laws were important indicators of a changing 92. No man shall exercise any Tirranny or Crueltie sentiment toward animals. Although they protected towards any bruite Creature which are usuallie kept for only horses, cattle, and sheep, the laws established man’s use. When Were the First Animal Anti-Cruelty Laws Enthatacte danimals? were not mere property but rather liv- 93. If any man shall have occasion to leade or drive ing beings who deserved protection from inhumane Cattel from place to place that is far of, so that they owners.

1641 —Massachusetts Bay Colony “The Body of 1858—Tennessee 1880—Mississippi, Ohio Liberties” 1859—Washington 1881—North Carolina, South Carolina 1828—New York 1860—Pennsylvania 1883—Alabama, Maine 1835—Massachusetts 1861—Nevada 1884—Hawaii 1838—Connecticut, Wisconsin 1864—Idaho, Oregon 1887—South Dakota 18 42—New Hampshire 1867—New Jersey 1889—Florida 18 45—Missouri 1868—California, West Virginia 18 90—Maryland 18 48—Virginia 1869—Illinois 1891—North Dakota 1851—Minnesota 1871—District of Columbia, Michigan, Montana 18 93—Oklahoma 1852—Kentucky 1872—Colorado 1895—Wyoming

Source:1854—VermontAnimals and Their Legal Rights: A Survey of American Laws18 from73—Delaware, 1641 to 1990 (Washington,Indiana, Nebraska DC: Animal Welfare Institute, 1990).1898—Utah 1856—Texas 1875—Georgia 1913 —Alaska, Arizona 1857—Rhode Island 1879—Arkansas, Louisiana 1921 —Virgin Islands

11 Think About It How does this • Beginning with New York’s passage of its first law pertain to animal cruelty law, the timeline on page 11 spans animals raised almost a century. Why, do you suppose, were on farms? anti-cruelty laws passed at different times in dif- Why do you ferent states? suppose the law was writ- • In 1866, Henry Bergh arrived on the scene. The ten this way? founder of the American Society for the Preven- tion of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), Bergh wrote • Should animals a ten-section “Act for the more effectual preven- raised for food be tion of cruelty to animals,” passed in New York in protected under 1867. The Act, which extended protection to “any state anti-cruelty living creature,” addressed not only animal abuse laws? Why or why and neglect but also abandonment, animal fight- not? What do you Hing,ow baiting,Are An iandma ltransportation.s Protected Un Itd esetr legal think some of the Tprecedenceoday’s Law ands? served as an example for many difficulties would states’ current anti-cruelty laws. be in passing and enforcing such laws? Explore the Issues Currently, all 50 states have anti-cruelty laws. It • Investigate and write a paper about your state’s should be noted that the laws do not necessarily anti-cruelty laws. How does your state define cruel- adhere to the definition of cruelty that we set forth ty, and how does this definition compare to the earlier. Rather, anti-cruelty laws differ greatly from one in the typology on page 2? What specific acts, state to state, affording animals a varying range of if any, are punishable? What actions are exempted? protection. Basically, state laws protect most Do your state anti-cruelty laws protect wild animals domestic animals from neglect, stating that they or those raised on farms? For information, you may www.hsus.org www.animal-law are entitled to food, water, and shelter. They also wish to visit and .org acknowledge that animals should not be aban- . You can also gather information about laws doned, poisoned, or treated cruelly. However, most by visiting your state’s official homepage. Type your www.state.(state abbrevi- state anti-cruelty laws do not extend protection to state’s abbreviation into ation).us farm animals, wildlife, or animals used in research. . Click on “Government,” “Legislation,” or And although some laws clearly identify what con- “Laws” to search for your state’s anti-cruelty stitutes animal cruelty, others leave that decision statutes. up to judges and law enforcement officials. • Choose a state (other than your home state) to hypothesis Think About It research. Develop a about that state’s anti-cruelty laws based on what you know about its What would be the advantages of anti-cruelty “animal culture.” For example, is that state a major laws that clearly define punishable offenses? farming state, or does it have a concentration of What could be the disadvantages? puppy mills? Does that state have greyhound or Questions and Issues for Discussion horse racing tracks or a strong rodeo heritage? Does it provide progressive accommodations or • Read the following excerpted provisions from services for pets, such as leash-free zones in parks Ohio’s anti-cruelty laws: or low-cost spay/neuter clinics? In your hypothesis, (A) No person shall...keep animals other than explain what you expect to find out about that cattle, poultry or fowl, swine, sheep, or goats in an state’s anti-cruelty laws and why. Then research enclosure without wholesome exercise and change that state’s anti-cruelty laws to determine whether 12of air… your hypothesis holds up. If it doesn’t, can you suggest why? dards for ani- • In 1874, Etta Wheeler, a church social worker, mal care and learned that nine-year-old Mary Ellen Wilson was scientific severely abused and neglected by the couple to research alike. whom she was apprenticed. Wheeler appealed to You can view the ASPCA for help on the basis that Mary Ellen and download the booklet at was at least a member of the animal kingdom. The www.humane- ASPCA was successful in removing Mary Ellen from teen.org the abusive home and placing her in a new home. . Click on “Science and Conscience” under Shortly after the famous “Mary Ellen” case—as it “Get Into the Issues.” To purchase a copy of Science has come to be known—was resolved, Henry Bergh and Conscience, send $3 to NAHEE, P.O. Box 362, East Haddam, CT 06423-0362. You may also order helped found the Society for the Prevention of www.nahee.org/publications.asp Cruelty to Children. Using the Internet, research online at . the Mary Ellen case. You may also wish to read Out Ta ke Action of the Darkness: The Story of Mary Ellen Wilson by Visit the “Legislation” section of The HSUS’s Web Stephen Lazoritz and Eric A. Shelman (Lake Forest, site, www.hsus.org, to learn more about current CA: Dolphin Moon Publishing, 1998). Write a legislation affecting animals. This section is loaded paper exploring the significance of this case to the with up-to-date information about pending federal formation of organizations that seek to prevent bills, ballot measures relating to animal protection, child abuse. Describe some current relationships, if and the latest state legislative updates. You can any, between child protection and animal welfare Animal Cruelty: How Serious a Crime? also find out how your state legislators voted on organizations. various animal protection issues. • Interestingly, Henry Bergh’s “Act for the more effectual prevention of cruelty to animals” clearly exempts scientific experimentation on animals: Our legal system divides criminal activity into two Nothing in this act contained shall be construed to classifications: misdemeanors and felonies. Misde- prohibit or interfere meanors are minor criminal offenses, which usually with any properly carry lighter sentences and fines. Felonies, which conducted scientific include murder and burglary, are serious criminal experiments or inves- offenses that may result in imprisonment and heav- tigations. Write a ier fines. paper that explores Thanks to the legislative efforts of groups such as the relationship The HSUS and the ASPCA and the well-document- between animal ed evidence linking animal cruelty with human vio- experimentation lence, more than 30 states now classify animal cru- and federal anti- elty as a felony. It should be noted, however, that cruelty laws. In specific felony provisions and definitions of “animal your research, you cruelty” vary from state to state. For example, some may wish to read states consider animal cruelty a felony only in cases The HSUS’s Sci- involving a dog, cat, or other companion animal. ence and Con- While most state laws apply to a first offense, in science: The Animal Experimentation Controversy, a several states animal cruelty is not treated as a resource book for high-school students and their felony until the perpetrator’s second or third teachers. Major topics include the history of and offense. Maximum fines vary from $150,000 in Ari- current trends in animal experimentation, the use zona to $5,000 in Connecticut; three states have of animals in education, biomedical research, and extremely low penalties of $500 or less. Maximum product testing, and the development of laws, prison time ranges from ten years in Louisiana to alternatives, and other initiatives to improve stan- 13 just 90 days in Ohio. In the 19 states where animal abuse cases are treated as misdemeanors, people cially when it comes to juveniles. They think that who write a bad check, smoke in an elevator, or Beyond Fines hurting an animal is just a case of “boys will be shoplift may be treated more harshly than those boys” and don’t believe that the youths involved whoand intentionally Prison cause Time an animal to suffer. Hshouldow Ar ehave An itheirmals permanent Protected records scarred Ubecausender Fe dofe roneal L incident.aw? How would you respond to this opinion?

Animal protection organizations are urging courts to order psychiatric counseling or anger management counseling for those found guilty In addition to state anti-cruelty laws, a few federal of animal cruelty. Currently, more than fifteen laws address inhumane treatment of animals. states specifically allow the court to order psy- • The Twenty-Eight Hour Law chiatric counseling or anger management cours- Although farm animals are excluded from most es for people convicted of animal cruelty. In sev- state anti-cruelty laws, our country’s first federal eral states, including California, Colorado, and law to prevent animal cruelty was designed to pro- Iowa, this requirement is mandatory, which tect them. Written in 1873 and revised in 1906, the means that any person convicted of animal cru- Twenty-Eight Hour Law prohibits railroads and ship- elty must seek counseling as a condition of pro- ping companies from confining animals for longer bation. New Mexico and New Jersey mandate than 28 consecutive hours without unloading them counseling only for juveniles convicted of animal for rest, water, and feeding. The law was passed in cruelty. response to the squalid conditions that farm animals endured in transit from farmyards to slaugh- Think About It terhouses: pigs, cows, and sheep were crowded into Some people object to anti-cruelty laws, espe- railroad cars without adequate ventilation, food,

States with Felony Animal Anti-Cruelty Laws, 2001

States with Felony Anti-Cruelty Laws

*States with stars allow the court to order animal cruelty perpetrators to undergo psychiatric counseling or anger management training.

14 You Be the Judge

govern the treatment of animals in research, testing, experimentation, Read the following case. Pretending that you are exhibition, and enter- a prosecutor or judge, what sentence, if any, tainment. Among would you give the perpetrator? Explain your other things, the reasoning. AWA requires that Pomona, California. People call the police after private and state- hearing their neighbor’s five-month-old puppy yelp- owned research and ing. When police officers arrive, they find the puppy testing facilities meet dead. His legs, back, and skull are fractured in 14 minimum standards places. Further investigation reveals that the puppy’s for animal care, owner, a 40-year-old man, had beaten the puppy including require- R. Stockdale

with a stick for digging holes in the backyard. Family ments for handling, © members explain that this man has a history of vio- feeding, housing, san- lence, including domestic abuse and rape charges. itation, and shelter The above story is true, and the perpetrator was from extreme weather. sentenced to three months in prison. How does The AWA does not extend protection to birds, his real-life sentence compare to the one you mice, rats, or farm animals (animals used or intend- recommended? ed as food or fiber). The AWA also prohibits spon- soring or exhibiting animals in fighting ventures water, or shelter. (e.g., dogfighting) and the transport of animals Because the Pacrossroble mstates w ilinesth F eforde rsuchal L apurposes.ws Review the Twenty-Eight AWA in its entirety at www.nal.usda.gov/awic/ Hour Law was legislat/usdaleg1.htm. passed before HSUS trucks became © the most com- The United States Department of Agriculture mon means of (USDA), the government agency responsible for transporting developing and enforcing the federal animal protec- animals, whether it applies to animals transported tion laws discussed above, has come under attack in trucks is unclear. The Twenty-Eight Hour Law for weak enforcement of those laws. Animal protec- does not apply to poultry. tion organizations point out that there are simply • The Humane Slaughter Act not enough inspectors or funds to investigate cases of alleged animal abuse. When violations are Passed in 1958 and expanded in 1978, the Humane observed, they may be lightly punished or not Slaughter Act requires that federally inspected reported at all. slaughterhouses handle and slaughter animals humanely. One of the most important provisions of Think About It this act states that livestock must be stunned (ren- Should the Twen- dered insensible to pain) prior to being hoisted, ty-Eight Hour Law shackled, and slaughtered. Other regulations and/or Humane require that livestock at slaughterhouses have ade- Slaughter Act be quate access to feed and water, and, if kept in pens amended to overnight, have enough room to lie down. The extend protection Humane Slaughter Act does not apply to poultry. to poultry? Why • The Animal Welfare Act or why not? What might be some Passed in 1966 and amended several times since, obstacles to changing either law? the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) is a set of laws that 15 Questions and Issues for Discussion found in factory farms, large-scale • Go back to your original definition of animal cru- farming opera- elty. Did your definition address issues of pain and tions where great distress experienced by farm animals? Animals used numbers of ani- in research? Circus animals? If not, why do you mals are kept in think you omitted those categories of animals? the smallest • Many state laws possible space exempt certain activi- to maximize ties from coming profit. Many under regulations animal protec- relating to animal tion organiza- cruelty. Some have tions are con- exemptions for hunt- cerned about ing, trapping, fishing, this use of animals rodeo, use of animals for profit, as it often results in inhumane treatment in research, pest con- of farm animals. Educate yourself about the prob- trol, and common . Heneghan/Weststock lems associated with modern methods of farming at farming practices. ©T www.humaneteen.org. Click on “Farms as Facto- What kinds of activi- ries” under “Get Into the Issues.” ties, if any, do you think should not be Ta ke Action covered by laws against cruelty to animals? The HSUS and The Fund for Animals have created • Some states have “three strikes” laws that require the Humane Activist Network, a nationwide network that anyone convicted of three felony level crimes of people who strive to protect animals. Join the Humane Activist Network (it’s free!) online at be sentenced to life imprisonment on their third www.hsus.org/ace/13277 offense. This means that a conviction for felony . By joining, you will level cruelty to animals could be the third strike receive HUMANElines, a weekly e-mail action alert that sends a person to prison for life. Do you think with up-to-date information on pending federal and such a crime should carry this possible penalty? state legislation that affects animals, and Humane Activist, a bimonthly grassroots newsletter that Explore the Issues offers ideas on how you can make a difference for Each year in the U.S., more than 9 billion animals animals in your community and nationwide. are raised and killedBR forE food.AK MostIN ofG them T Hare E CYCLE OF ABUSE

In light of the strong evidence linking animal cruel- with promptly and appropriately, cross-reporting ty and human violence, The HSUS and FBI, among can significantly help prevent human and animal many other groups, continue to urge law enforce- suffering. ment officers, humane investigators, and social ser- Researchers Phil Arkow, chair of the Latham Foun- vice agencies to work together in an organized way dation’s Child and Animal Abuse Prevention Project, to address cruelty, abuse, and neglect. The key to a cross-reporting and Dr. Frank Ascione, professor of psychology at successful team approach is , Utah State University, have compiled a list of rec- whereby animal protection and human service pro- ommendations for agencies that can help break the fessionals inform one another about cases they are cycle of abuse. Here are some of the measures they investigating. By ensuring that all violent acts recommend: 16against people and animals are identified and dealt • In their intake interviews, child protective services elderly, and the disabled. Schlueter’s law agencies and shelters for battered women should enforcement agency is considered an excellent ask clients about the number of animals in the example of cross-reporting in action. To learn household, family histories of animal abuse, and the more, visit the Broward County Sheriff’s Depart- current welfare of animals in the home. ment homepage at www.sheriff.org. • Professionals involved in anti-violence efforts should participate in cross-training programs. Cross-training programs promote interaction and Think About It cross-reporting among legislators, judges, humane • In its 1999 Animal Welfare Position Statement, investigators, social workers, school administrators, the American Veterinary Medical Association and others by teaching them about the animal cru- states that it “recognizes that veterinarians may elty/human violence connection. have occasion to observe cases of cruelty to animals, animal abuse, or animal neglect as defined • Animal shelters and domestic violence agencies by state law or local ordinances. When these should partner to develop “safe haven” programs— observations occur, the AVMA considers it the emergency housing for the pets of domestic vio- responsibility of the veterinarian to report such lence victims. cases to the appropriate authorities. Such disclo- • When possible, victims of child abuse or domes- sures may be necessary to protect the health and tic violence should be given opportunities to par- welfare of animals and people.” In addition, laws ticipate in therapeutic and rehabilitative programs in four states require veterinarians to report sus- involving animals. Positive interaction with animals pected cases of animal cruelty. Why do you think in a supervised environment may not only reduce some veterinarians might object to that require- the chance of victims “acting out” their own experi- ment? What would be some ways of addressing ences on animals, but studies also show it may help their concerns? people heal emotionally, physically, and psychologi- • In Colorado, veterinarians are required to cally. report suspected child abuse and in Illinois they • Cases of are mandated to report suspected abuse of the animal abuse elderly. Do you think veterinarians should be should be required to report suspected family violence? documented Why or why not? and tracked Fotopic International/Weststock Questions and Issues for Discussion systematical- © What might be the benefits of cross-reporting in ly through the following situations? the criminal justice • While visiting a pregnant teenager in a low- process. When people are convicted of animal cru- income apartment complex, a social worker

Source:elty, Childthe Abuse, nature Domestic of Violence, the crime and Animal and Abuse consequent, ed. by Frank R. Ascione pun- and observes her kicking her dog for having an “acci- Philishment, Arkow (West if Lafayette, any, shouldIN: Purdue University remain Press, on 1999). their permanent dent” in the home. records and be easily accessed by law enforcement A Winning Combination • Investigating a reported case of animal cruelty, an officials. animal control officer finds emaciated, filthy, and ill horses and pigs. During the course of their conver- sation, the animals’ owner mentions that he has sole custody of two small children. Lieutenant Sherry Schlueter heads up the Abuse and Neglect Investigation Unit of the Broward • Responding to a domestic violence call, a police County, Florida, Sheriff’s Department. As lieu- officer observes a number of thin, unkempt cats on tenant, she oversees a team of agents who inves- the premises. When she reaches her hand out to one, the cat hisses and darts away. tigate violence against animals, children, the 17 Read over the recommendations of Arkow and with The HSUS’s First Strike packet, which comes Ascione. Can you think of any other ways that with fact sheets, suggestions for community action, agencies can work together to recognize and stop and an 18-page guide you can give to social work- violence? ers and animal-care professionals. Also included are ad slicks for you to copy and put up at school. To Explore the Issues order your free packet, write to The HSUS, First Around the country, hundreds of therapeutic and Strike Campaign, e-mail [email protected], or call rehabilitative programs aim to reduce violence. toll-free (888) 213-0956. Many of • Educate your teachers and peers by hosting a these pro- seminar at school, using materials and information grams reduce from www.hsus.org/firststrike and the First Strike violence and campaign kit. Consider inviting someone from your increase local humane society or Courtesy of Colorado Boys Ranch empathy and police force to compassion speak at the by strength- event. You ening the may also human-animal bond. Explore the Internet to learn wish to show about any such programs in your community; you the First or your animal protection club may be able to vol- Strike video, unteer your time. (Each month, at www.hsus.org which pro- /firststrike/programs, The HSUS highlights an vides an animal-assisted thera- overview of py program.) You may the animal- also be interested in cruelty/human violence connection and explains ordering Violence Pre- the role of humane societies and community coali- vention and Interven- tions in combating such violence. The video is tion: A Directory of eight minutes long and costs $6 plus $3 shipping Animal-Related Pro- and handling. To order, contact The HSUS. grams. This 82-page book is a guide to • Are you and your family programs around the ready, willing, and able to country that teach open your hearts and home conflict resolution, to animals in need of tempo- coping skills, and rary homes? Some animal compassion by exploring the unique bond between shelters coordinate fostering people and animals. To order, send $8 (plus $3 services for companion ani- shipping and handling) to The HSUS, 2100 L mals whose owners are tem- Street, NW, Washington, DC 20037. porarily unable to care for them. Such owners may Ta ke Action include battered women • To make cross-reporting a reality in more commu- entering shelters or military personnel unexpected- nities, more people need to know about the con- Wly calledhat to to D oduty. If Y Contactou Susp yourect A localnima animall Crue lshelterty nection between animal cruelty and human vio- to find out what fostering is all about and whether lence. The HSUS’s First Strike Campaign is you and your family can lend a hand. designed to raise public awareness of this connection and to teach police officers, humane educa- tors, social workers, and others how they can help Mistreatment of animals is a concern, because it is break18 the cycle of abuse. You can spread the word wrong to cause another living creature unnecessary pain or suffering. Intentional cruelty is particularly animal cruelty? Under what circumstances, if any, disturbing because of what it signals about the might you be reluctant to report animal cruelty? person inflicting it: He or she needs help. People Why? who are cruel to animals may well have suffered (or be suffering from) violence themselves, or they may Questions and Issues for Discussion behave violently toward other people. For all of An increasing number of Internet sites promote ani- those reasons, it is extremely important that you mal abuse and bestiality, animal sexual abuse. Do report any animal cruelty you hear of, witness, or you think that those kinds of sites should be suspect. Here’s how. allowed? Why or why not? How does our constitu- tional right to freedom of speech figure into your 1) Get the facts. Write down the date, time, loca- opinion, if at all? tion, and any details you can remember, including descriptions of the people or animals involved. If Explore the Issues someone else also witnessed the act, ask for that • One of the goals of The HSUS First Strike Cam- person’s name and contact information in case offi- paign is to strengthen laws against all forms of ani- cials need more witnesses. Photographs and video- mal cruelty, including animal sexual abuse. How do tapes are also helpful, if it is possible (and safe) for current federal and state laws address animal sexual you to take them. abuse? How does your state treat animal sexual 2) Get help. Don’t handle something as serious as abuse, if at all? For a free packet on animal sexual animal cruelty alone. Ask your parents, school abuse, write to The HSUS. counselor, a teacher, or any other adult you trust to help you report your case. Ta ke Action 3) Get on the phone. • Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper outlining the steps people should take to Contact your local report animal abuse in their community. (You may humane society, ani- wish to clarify that children and teenagers should mal shelter, sheriff’s seek an adult’s help department, or animal when they witness or control officer. You can hear of animal cruel- find this information in ty.) your telephone directory. Be sure to provide all the • If you discover an information you have gathered. Be Internet site that pro- aware that your complaint will be taken motes animal abuse, more seriously if you are willing to provide your ask the service name and contact information. However, if you are provider that hosts reporting a friend, neighbor, or family member and the site to remove feel uncomfortable giving your name, you may it immediately. You make complaints anonymously. It is better to make can find the address of the site’s an anonymous report than none at all. provider at www.networksolutions.com. 4) Get the law on your side. Contact your local • If you’ve reported a case of animal cruelty or police and social services departments. Again, pro- developed a public awareness campaign about ani- vide the information you have gathered and let mal cruelty issues, contact us. We may be interest- them know that you have notified your humane ed in featuring you and your efforts on Humane- society as well. This will help encourage cross- Teen, our Web site for teenagers. Visit www reporting. .humaneteen.org, write to HumaneTeen, P.O. Box 362, East Haddam, CT 06423, e-mail humane- Think About It [email protected], or call (860) 434-8666. Why might some people be reluctant to report 19 The Courage to Speak Up

When Lennie Bowe was a high-school junior, she discovered that four boys in her circle of friends had tortured and killed a stray cat. A little investigative work on Lennie’s part revealed that the boys threw the cat into the air, beat her with a board and shovel, jumped up and down on her, and drove over her to make sure she was dead. An animal lover with pets of her own, Lennie was extremely upset. She knew that the boys were wrong for causing an animal to suffer, and she was also aware that such cruelty is linked to potential violence against humans. Still, these boys were casual friends of hers. After agonizing over what to do, Lennie turned to her mother for help. Together, the two set off a chain of events that resulted in criminal charges being filed against the boys and a national petition to make animal cruelty a felony in the state of Virginia.

Unfortunately, Lennie faced some painful consequences for speak- Courtesy of L. Bowe ing up. Many of her friends abandoned her, believing that she was wrong for “telling” on the boys. She received hate mail and nasty phone calls. And, along with some of their friends, the boys harassed Lennie at school. Still, Lennie refused to back down. What’s more, the courageous teen insists that she would do it again if she had to. Read all about Lennie Bowe’s story at www.humaneteen.org; click on “Teens Helping Animals.” If you, like Lennie, learn secondhand about an act of animal cruelty, please do not dismiss it. Talk to an adult about the situation and try to get the facts. Your quick action may save lives. The classic example: When Luke Woodham (“Explore the Issues,” p. 7) killed his dog with a friend, a neighbor witnessed the act but remained silent. Six months later,R WoodhamESOU murderedRCE hisS mother and two high-school students. E-MAIL

American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Ani- mals, I-CAAN. The Inter-Campus Animal Advocacy Network is a www.aspca.org. AnimalConcerns.org, free e-mail listserv linking college and high-school students http://animal/concerns.netforchange who want to help animals. To subscribe, send the message .com. subscribe icaan to [email protected]. Once you’re signed up, Animal Welfare Institute, www.awi.org. you can post messages by sending them to [email protected]. Center for Respect of Life and the Environment, HUMANElines. This free, weekly e-mail alert keeps you post- www.crle.org. ed on significant events affecting animals. To subscribe, send Doris Day Animal Foundation, subscribe hsus-action www.ddal.org. the message to subscribehsus- Farm Sanctuary, [email protected]. www.farmsanctuary.org. The Forum on Religion and Ecology, HumaneTeen Network. A free online network that provides http://divweb.har- members with e-mail updates on the latest animal and envi- vard.edu/cswr/ecology. The Humane Society of the United States, rIonmentalNTERN issues.ET SI ToTE joinS the network, go to www.humane- www.hsus.org. teen.org, click on “Join the Network,” enter your e-mail The Latham Foundation, www.Latham.org. address, and hit “Join List.” Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, www.mspca.org. National Center on Elder Abuse, American Humane Association, www www.elderabusecenter.org National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect .americanhumane.org. Information, American Psychiatric Association, www.psych.org. www.calib.com/nccanch. National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, American Psychological Association, www.apa.org. www.ncadv.org. 20 Community Intervention in Juvenile Animal Cruelty,

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, www.peta- Cruelty to Animals and Interpersonal Violence: Readbyings online.org. iSharin Re sLewchanin,earch and Psy.D., Appli candatio Ellenn, Zimmerman, L.C.S.W. PsBOychologistsOKS & JforOU theRN EthicalALS Treatment of Animals, (Brunswick, ME: Biddle Publishing Company, 2000). www.psyeta.org.Animals and Their Legal Rights, Society and Animals: Journal oeditedf Hum byan -RandallAnima lLockwood Relations, Child Abuse, Domestic Violence, and Animal Abuse: and Frank R. Ascione (West Lafayette, IN: Purdue University Linking the Circles of Compassion(Washington, for Prevent iDC:on aAnimalnd WPress,hy t1998).he Wild Things Are, IWnelfareterven Institute,tion, 1990). available online at www.psyeta.org/sa. Clinical Assessment of Juvenile Animal Cruelty, by Gail Melson (Cambridge, edited by Frank R. Ascione and Phil Arkow MA: Harvard University Press, 2001). (West Lafayette, IN: Purdue University Press, 1999). by Shari Lewchanin, Psy.D., Sandt Ellenop Zimmerman, Ani L.C.S.W.ma (Brunswick,l Cruelty at Its Roots— ME: Biddle Publishing Company, 2000). Teach Kindness to Kids in Your Community

From greyhound racing and circuses to puppy mills, dogfighting, and mistreatment of companion animals, animal suffering is all too common in our society. Yet so many of the causes of animal abuse humane education can be reduced through that KIND News teaches children how to make better choices for animals. You or your animal protection club can reach elementary-school kids through NAHEE’s ❏ ❏ Adopt-a-Classroom program. When you adopt a ❏ Order Form class, each child in that classroom receives his or Indicate which KIND❏ News reading❏ level you prefer: her own copy of KIND (Kids In Nature’s Defense) Primary Edition (grades K-2) News, an award-winning newspaper for kids from Jr. Edition (grades 3-4) kindergarten through grade 6. It features articles, SendSr. subscription Edition (grades to: t5-6)eacher student (check one) puzzles, projects, and celebrity interviews that teach children compassion and respect for people, Name ______animals, and the environment. School ______School Address ______A subscription to KIND News costs just $30 and ______includes 32 copies of the newspaper and a Ordered by: (if different from “send to”) teacher’s guide each month of the school year, September through May. Your adopted classroom’s Name ______Address ______❏ ❏ teacher will also receive KIND Teacher, an annual ❏ ❏ ❏ resource book of fun, reproducible worksheets— ______plus KIND ID cards for students, a classroom Method of payment: check money order poster, and a KIND Calendar for the whole school VISA MasterCard Discover year. Through our Adopt-a-Classroom program, you can provide a subscription to KIND News as a gift Account number ______for a child or teacher—and when you do, you Expiration date ______receive credit on every monthly bundle of KIND Billing address ______News! Signature ______HTBKT-UAC/02 To learn more or to order online, please visit Please mail this form to: KIND News, P.O. Box 362, East Haddam, CT 06423-0362. Make checks payable to KIND www.nahee.org. To view samples of KIND News, go News. 21 to www.kindnews.org and click “About KIND News.” How Else Can You Make a Difference for Animals? HSUS Membership Application ❏ Become a member of The Humane Soci- ❏ Yes, I wish to become a member of The ety of the Unit- Humane Society of the United States and receive ed States, the All Animals. My $25 is enclosed. nation’s largest Yes, I also want to join the Action Alert Team, animal protec- at no additional cost, and receive Humane Activist. tion organiza- Send me the next issues as soon as possible! tion. Member- (You must join The HSUS in order to sign up for ship costs $25 the Action Alert Team.) per year. ______Name By joining The HSUS, you can stay on top of pending laws, issues, and progress in animal protection ______Address and environmental matters. You’ll receive All City State ZIP Animals, a quarterly magazine that will keep you ______posted on a variety of animal-related news. You can This form may be reproduced. also be a part of the Action Alert Team (at no extra cost!) and receive Humane Activist, a bimonthly publication for grassroots activists. To become a member of The HSUS, fill out the form on the right and send it with a check for $25 made payable to The HSUS, 2100 L St., NW, Wash- ington, DC 20037.

The Humane Society of the United States Youth Education Division P.O. Box 362 East Haddam, CT 06423-0362 www.humaneteen.org www.hsus.org