Albert Schweitzer, Humanitarian
Randall Lockwood, Psychologist,
The Humane Society of the United States
Margaret Mead, Anthropologist
Nearly all children go through a stage of "innocent" cruelty
during which they may harm insects or other small animals in the process of
exploring their world. Most children, however, with guidance from parents and
teachers, develop empathy for the pain animals can suffer. Some, however,
become locked into a lifetime pattern of cruelty.
Alberto Desalvo, the self-confessed 1962-63 "Boston Strangler" who
killed thirteen women had,as a youth, trapped dogs and cats in orange crates
and shot arrows through the boxes.
Carroll Edward Cole, executed in 1985, was one of the most prolific killers
in moden history. His first act of violence as a child was to strangle a cat.
Brenda Spencer fired forty shots at San Diego school children, fatally
wounding two and injuring nine others. Neighbors later informed police that
Spencer had repeatedly abused dogs and cats, often setting their tails on fire.
Most animal murders will not commit sensational murders, but they have
already taken a step on the path of violence. Ground-breaking studies by
psychiatrist Alan Felthous and others, indicate that many criminals that have
been violent toward people share a common history of brutal parental punishment
and cruelty to animals. Yet, even today, it is not unusual to find school and
judicial systems in which animal abuse is not taken seriously.
This is especially disturbing since animal abuse not only can portend the potential
for violence against humans, but it also maybe an indication of a family in
trouble now. Research bears this out.
Recently, Deviney, Dickert, and Lockwood studied 57 families being treated
by New Jersey's Division of Youth and Family Services for incidents of child
abuse. In 88 percent of these families, animals in the home had also been
abused, usually by the parent.
These findings are consistent with those of James Hutton who reviewed the
animal cruelty reports for one community in England. Of the 23 families with a
history of animal abuse, 83 percent had been identified by human social service
agencies as having children at risk of abuse or neglect.
As educators and other guardians of youth, we must affirm
that any child who abuses animals is in need of immediate help. We must further
recognize that if animal abuse is occurring in a family, child abuse may be
happening also. Most importantly, we must intervene to break the cycle of
abuse.
Do not ignore even minor acts of cruelty. Correct the child
and express your concerns to his or her parents. Urge your school district,
judicial system,and child welfare service agency to take acts of animal cruelty
seriously.
Take seriously children's reports of animal abuse in the home. Animal abuse,
by a parent or child, is one indicator that a child may be at risk of abuse.
Early intervention can some times prevent the abuse from ever occurring. Animal
abuse can also mean that child abuse is already occurring. Some children who will
not talk about their own abuse will reveal what is happening to their pet. If a
child describes animal abuse in the home, the school counselor and psychologist
should be immediately notified, as well as the local animal welfare agency,
which can check up on the care of any animals in the home.
Be on the lookout for other indicators of child abuse and neglect. The
references listed on the back of this brochure will help you identify other
critical indicators.
If you suspect child abuse or neglect, do not hesitate to
report it. All states require this of teachers. Some states require teachers to
immediately report even suspicions of abuse or neglect. Others expect cases to
be fairly well documented. Know the guidelines for your state and school
district. All states provide reporting teachers with immunity.
If you believe an animal is being mistreated, contact your local animal
welfare agency (or the police, if there is no such agency). As a rule, failure
to provide adequate food, water, and shelter or the use of physical force
sufficient to leave a mark or otherwise cause injury constitutes cruelty to
animals according to most state laws. Your actions may not only help the
animal, but may also identify a person in need of help. Intervention can
prevent escalation of abuse.
Don't assume someone else would know if something was wrong.
Be ready and willing to testify against abuse and neglect. Document
conversations and evidence.
Distribute copies of this brochure. Make others aware of the
link between animal abuse and other violent crimes,including child abuse. Speak
to your local PTA, child welfare service agency, animal welfare organization,
clergy, school counselor and psychologist, veterinarians, juvenile judges, police,
and others. Urge agencies to share information with one another.
Establish a task force in your school to work on breaking the cycle of
abuse. Procedures can be established concerning what to do if a student abuses
an animal on the school grounds or while waiting for the bus. Teachers can be
informed about the warning signs that indicate a family is in need of help.
Guidelines for contacting social services can be distributed, as well as
suggestions for communicating with suspected abusive parents. Teachers need to
know, for instance, what to do if the parent of a suspected abused child
demands that the child be removed from the reporting teacher's class.
Utilize resources. There are many excellent sources of help.