- Borrowed from www.humanesociety.com
First quoted by Frederick II, king of Prussia when referring to one of his Italian greyhounds, Dog has been Mans best friend for the better part of 40 000 years. Despite this revered relationship, dogs fall victim to much violence and abuse (specifically the pit bull), with North American animal abuse statistics recorded in 2007 as:
- 64.5% (1,212) involved dogs
- 18% (337) involved cats
- 25% (470) involved other animals
Animal Abuse
Animal abuse refers to a wide range of behaviors that may be harmful to animals which may include physical abuse, neglect, knowingly depriving an animal of food and water, shelter or veterinary care if in need. Abuse may also encompass maiming, mutilating, maliciously torturing or purposefully killing an animal. Why be concerned... We all know and realize that it is wrong to inflict harm or suffering on a living creature. The intentional pattern of cruelty may indicate an underlying psychological distress and and is often associated with domestic violence, as well as other forms of violence. Up to 30% of children who have witnessed domestic violence will act out similar forms of violence on their pets. |
Much of the abusive behavior directed against animals is done so by the youth, through out the ages of childhood and adolescence. Addressing cruelty to animals as a significant form of aggressive and antisocial behavior may add one more piece to the puzzle of understanding and preventing youth violence. Some of the developmental motivations behind animal cruelty may include:
- Curiosity or exploration
- Peer pressure
- Mood enhancement
- Sexual gratification
- Forced abuse (by a more powerful individual)
- Identification with a known abuser
- Post traumatic play/ stress
- Imitative behavior
- Self injury
- Vehicle for emotional abuse
- To control an animal
- Retaliation against an animal
- Expressing aggression through an animal
- Enhancement of ones own aggression
- Shocking people for amusement
- Retaliation against other people
- US Department of Justice. Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency.
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