Animal cruelty is not just a tragic issue affecting innocent animals—it’s a serious warning sign of broader violence. Research has consistently shown a strong link between animal abuse and human violence, particularly domestic abuse, child abuse, and even violent crimes like assault and homicide. Understanding this connection is critical, not only for protecting animals but also for preventing harm to people.
The “Violence Link”: What Research Tells Us
Studies over the past few decades have revealed alarming correlations between animal cruelty and violent behavior:
🔎 The FBI Recognizes Animal Abuse as a Gateway Crime
- The FBI now tracks animal cruelty cases in its national crime database because of the established connection between cruelty to animals and later violence against humans.
- Serial killers like Jeffrey Dahmer, Ted Bundy, and the “Boston Strangler” Albert DeSalvo all had histories of torturing animals before targeting people.
🔎 Animal Abuse & Domestic Violence
- 71% of domestic violence survivors reported that their abuser had also harmed or threatened their pets.
- Many victims of domestic violence stay in abusive situations out of fear for their pets’ safety.
- Abusers often harm pets as a way to control, intimidate, or silence victims.
🔎 Animal Cruelty & Child Abuse
- Children exposed to domestic violence are more likely to abuse animals as a way to process their trauma.
- 43% of school shooters had a history of animal cruelty before committing violent acts against humans.
🔎 Animal Abuse & Violent Criminals
- A study of incarcerated violent offenders found that 70% had a history of animal cruelty before committing crimes against humans.
- People who commit acts of animal cruelty are five times more likely to be arrested for violent crimes against people.
Why Animal Abuse is a Warning Sign for Human Violence
1. It Desensitizes People to Suffering
When someone repeatedly harms animals, they lose empathy and become more comfortable with inflicting pain—on both animals and people.
2. It’s a Form of Power & Control
Abusers use violence against animals to exert power over victims—whether they are children, partners, or others in their household.
3. It’s Often the First Red Flag
Many criminals start with animals before moving on to people, making early intervention critical in preventing future violence.
How You Can Help Stop the Cycle of Abuse
🚨 Report Animal Cruelty – Don’t ignore signs of abuse. Reporting can save both animal and human lives. Check out these helpful resources:
– What to Do If You Witness Animal Cruelty
– The Hidden Crisis: How Common Is Animal Cruelty?
– From Neglect to Abuse: Different Types of Animal Cruelty and How to Spot Them
🏡 Support Domestic Violence Shelters That Accept Pets – Many victims stay in abusive situations because they have nowhere safe for their pets. Support programs that help!
📢 Advocate for Stronger Laws – Harsher penalties for animal cruelty can prevent future violence.
– The State Of Animal Protection Laws In 2024: How Does Your State Measure Up?
🐾 Help Rescued Animals Heal – Many dogs and animals rescued from abuse need homes. Consider adopting or fostering through organizations like Loves Dogs.
🐾 Resources for Domestic Violence Survivors with Pets
For many domestic violence survivors, leaving an abusive situation is complicated by the fear of what will happen to their pets. Sadly, as many as 50% of survivors delay leaving because they don’t want to leave their pets behind. The good news is that more shelters and programs are recognizing this need and providing safe havens for both people and their pets.
If you or someone you know is in a dangerous situation, here are national resources that can help:
🏡 Shelters & Programs That Accept Pets
🐾 Safe Haven for Pets Program (by RedRover)
🔗 SafePlaceForPets.org
🚨 Search for domestic violence shelters that allow pets or offer pet boarding for survivors.
🐾 The National Domestic Violence Hotline
📞 Call: 800-799-7233 (SAFE)
📱 Text: “START” to 88788
🔗 www.thehotline.org
🚨 Confidential support for survivors of abuse, including help finding pet-friendly shelters.
🐾 Urban Resource Institute (URI) People & Animals Living Safely (PALS) Program
🔗 www.urinyc.org/pals
🚨 One of the largest networks of pet-friendly domestic violence shelters in the U.S.
🐾 RedRover Relief Safe Escape Grants
🔗 www.redrover.org
🚨 Provides financial assistance for survivors to board their pets while they escape abuse.
🐾 Animal Welfare Institute Safe Havens for Pets
🔗 www.awionline.org/safe-havens
🚨 A state-by-state directory of programs that offer temporary housing for pets of domestic violence survivors.
🐾 Ahimsa House (For Georgia Residents)
🔗 www.ahimsahouse.org
🚨 Helps survivors in Georgia escape abuse with their pets.
🐾 How You Can Help Domestic Violence Survivors & Their Pets
✅ Support pet-friendly shelters – Donate to organizations that help survivors escape with their pets.
✅ Spread awareness – Many people don’t realize they can leave with their pets—sharing these resources can save lives.
✅ Advocate for change – Push for more pet-friendly domestic violence shelters nationwide.
Loves Dogs: Rescuing & Rehabilitating Victims of Cruelty
At Loves Dogs, we rescue and rehabilitate dogs who have suffered from neglect, cruelty, and abuse. With love, patience, and the right care, these dogs can heal—and so can their human survivors.
💙 Join the Fight Against Animal Cruelty
🐾 Donate Today & Save Lives
🔹 Online: www.LovesDogs.org/Donate/
🔹 PayPal: @lovesdgs
🔹 Venmo: @lovesdogssomuch
🔹 CashApp: $lovesdogssomuch
🔹 Text-to-Give: Text LOVESDOGS to 44321
🔹 Amazon Wish List: https://a.co/8k9fzYO
🔹 Become a Monthly Partner: www.LovesDogs.org/Partner/
📢 Animal cruelty is a crime, and it’s a warning sign. Speak up, report abuse, and help break the cycle of violence!