Violence and Animal Abuse - A Commentary

A little known fact is that  there is a growing belief among many, that animal abuse and neglect can be a reflection of child  or spouse abuse or neglect. In many, cases serial killers and repeat violent offenders, often relate to being abused themselves or abusing animals, when they were young. Animal mutilation and killings, IS a cause for  major concern. This behavior can be a clue, and in some cases, hard evidence of a troubled personality disorder, or substance abuse. A person or child who takes joy or gets their "Kicks" from harming and torturing animals, may later get their "kicks" from harming human beings.  One of the major problems is that these people due to past and present views on animals, have never learned there is a consequence for their actions.  To the lawyer ( and professed dog lover) in NY that asked if a tortured  and mutilated Yorkshire puppy's life was worth two years of the youths lives that  committed the act. YES, YES, YES, I say, perhaps if they learn now, there are consequences for torturing and mutilating a living feeling thing,  they won't be doing this same thing to our kids or people we know  later!!!! They can get mental help while they are serving time. These kids filmed the event and according to the media watched it over and over again.  This is not just a case of boys being boys here. Serial killers and violent offenders often relate stories to others of abusing and torturing animals in their past. Some have even stated, according to some psychiatrists and psychologists, that they moved on to humans, because they lost the thrill with animals and needed more excitement. Are these true statements, or are they more cries for attention for the heinous crimes committed? 

We have found in dealing with abuse and neglect cases for 13 years, setting aside the accidental abuse and neglect, due the lack of knowledge and animal collectors, that yes there is a certain domineering personality that does accompany genuine cases of neglect and abuse. These owners will often tell authorities and investigators that they "will feed, or get vet care for  their animals when they feel like it". Often times they will threaten violence, or try to run  off anyone who gets in their way. Many times law enforcement officials will just shrug it off as a "bad attitude of that's just the way they are". But I have to wonder if a person  who refuses to get rid of animals:  and would rather watch their animals die of starvation or neglect , whether it be in the name of "love" as sometimes claimed, or a case of when they "feel like it", just how much in touch with reality and  healthy emotions is this person? In cases of  people claiming to "love" and "can't live with out their animals", just how much of that is loving the animal or is it really  just  loving the idea of owning that animal.

Denial and excuses (i.e. usually lies) are at least an attempt to cover up for laziness or just not caring enough. I even consider them an admission of guilt in most cases, then attempt to proceed with education. But out and out refusal  to be rid of the animals or provide the basic needs, is to this editor, cause for concern. If this same person were stealing money, selling drugs, or committing a violent act the "bad attitude" or "that's just the way they are"  would not be acceptable behavior and indeed would cause more harm to that person's case in court. There have even been times when I have heard, we don't mess with them because they just isn't right. Well........ if he  is so  dangerous why is he loose? What if he hurts someone, would he be too dangerous to handle then too?  In many cases hints by complainants,  of spouse abuse and child abuse either surface at the time or later point.  Of course it's all hear say, but it does make me wonder. In nearly all of our animal cases related to divorce, one person has the control of the  property and the person who owns the animals will claim they are denied access because of restraining orders or threats and acts of violence.

Political cases get me too. If  someone is a  prominent figure in the community, shouldn't they want to set an example? I know if I had a prominent position, I sure wouldn't want to have people talking about how poorly I treat my animals, or wondering why I won't part with some of my money to feed my starving animals.  I wonder  if it isn't the "I am bigger than life thing" my pockets are so full and I am friends with so many, I am above the law cause I know in office and on the force. Or it could be a case of these people are so busy they don't need animals, cause they can't remember to write feed the animals on their important calendars. For the busy professionals, and working class that work hard to see that their animals are also cared for, after a long day at work, I salute you. To the others, visit a boarding stable or hire someone to do it for you.

Someday, I would like to see animal abuse and neglect as a part of police training.  As warning to other potential problems, police officers need to be made aware. In many counties, such as my own, Animal Control Officers do not have the power or authority to investigate animal and abuse cases. Therefore,  most or all of the investigations are left up to police officers and prosecutors. Some of which are poorly qualified or think we are just  trying to cause trouble because we have nothing better to do. Well  it's not a thrill to stand with someone over a dead  rotting animal that they killed, nor is it "fun" to get up early and go feed some else's starved animal, when swimming boating or riding your own horse would be great. Not to mention not freezing your  tail off in the winter months. Trust me I could find better things to do with my time. But unfortunately I would be just like everyone else pretending the problem doesn't exist. Just  like everyone used to do for child abuse and various other crimes, not so very long ago. 

 Some may even feel and rightly so, that protecting people is  more important than animals.  But  in reality they may be ignoring a crime that is punishable by law and in fact, if there is just cause, they may be turning their backs on their duties. By ignoring their duties they might  be  inadvertently contributing to some future act of violence or larger problem. What they don't realize is that by protecting the animals, they very well might be protecting the people. Some animal diseases can be transmitted to people, filth, parasite infestation,  decay and  dead rotting bodies and low immunities in neglected animals can create breeding grounds for disease. This may also affect other animals in the vicinity. By letting someone know they are not above the law, they may be heading off a future bigger conflict. Better to get in trouble for the small things than the really big things. Less jail time for the person and less waste of my time.

Not every animal neglect or abuse case is committed by a domineering person who thinks if he is "bad to the bone" that he, will be above the law. Some cases are genuine lack of knowledge, poor advice received from friends, plain laziness, and just not knowing a person can end up in jail or face fines, for neglect and abuse.  Providing a copy of the law, will usually motivate some of the lazys and the lack of knowledge people. I always include it on paper work as just a statement of fact.  I never threaten with it, but I do leave it there for them to read so they know it is in fact a law. To these people I always say: there is no substitute for a visit by a competent veterinarian, before the animal dies is preferable. Seek advice from those who know. It may cost more now, but it will save a lot of expense and heartache later.