Animal cruelty, pet abuse & violence: the missed dangerous connection

It is sad to see time and time again how information on the seriousness and dangerousness of animal cruelty goes unnoticed or is minimized when intervention and prosecution occurs. Research from the 1980’s to the present has demonstrated that cruelty to animals is a hallmark or signature indicator for future acts of violence, including rape, child molestation, domestic abuse, school shootings, and other forms of violence. If someone can be abusive or cruel to animals, then it makes sense that they could and often do become aggressive and violent towards people. Animal cruelty is defined as the crime involving the infliction of pain, suffering, or death to an animal. Animal neglect can include withholding of food and water and shelter and that as a result the animal has in any way suffered, died, or been placed in imminent danger of death (animal cruelty, n.d.). In short, anything that is done to mistreat an animal. People who engage in animal cruelty are monsters. What does it take to abuse or neglect a living and gentle pet? The answer is simply monstrous and evil intentions.