Child cruelty to animals - specifics, risk factors, possibilities for prevention4

Abstract

Cruelty to animals is a complex phenomenon that causes negative consequences for both animals and children who are prone to such behaviour. A timely and adequate reaction of key actors, who influence the upbringing of children and those responsible for the protection of victims, is necessary to prevent unfavourable outcomes for both victims and perpetrators. The paper aims to point out the specifics of animal cruelty, theoretical explanations of this phenomenon, as well as risk and related factors that are important for understanding the phenomenon. Special attention in the paper is paid to considering the possibility of preventive action to prevent and suppress animal cruelty.