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Information for Service Providers

Why should I be concerned about animal cruelty?

Cruelty to pets within a home is an example of domestic violence. Not only that, but it is often accompanied by other forms of violence and abuse – such as child abuse, spousal abuse and elder abuse.

Sometimes animal protection laws may be more helpful or easier to prove. They could be more likely to be reported – e.g., an abused spouse or child may find it easier to disclose animal cruelty than mistreatment of themselves or another family member. The evidence of animal cruelty may be more readily observed and lead to an investigation that uncovers other forms of abuse.

There is a growing awareness that young people who deliberately abuse animals are at risk of developing other violent tendencies. The DSM-IV lists animal cruelty as a symptom indicative of Conduct Disorder. In Alberta, the Task Force on Children at Risk noted in its April 2000 report Start Young, Start Now! that cruelty to animals is a warning sign that a child may need help to prevent further violence. There is also some indication that children who witness cruelty to animals may demonstrate more aggressive behaviours.

How does animal cruelty impact victims of domestic violence?

For many victims of domestic violence, their relationship to their pet is their strongest positive connection with another living being. In abusive relationships, pets are often targeted by the abusive partner and threatened or killed in order to exert power and maintain control over the victim. Furthermore, since emergency shelters are often unable to accommodate pets, many victims (up to 50% in some studies) delay leaving an abusive situation out of fear for what might happen to their pet.

What can I do to help?

If you are counselling someone considering leaving an abusive situation, ask if they own pet or livestock. If so, help them make provisions for the animals’ care. Add questions about pets and livestock to your intake form. Look into forming links with your local SPCA/humane society to develop protocols for cross-reporting or cross-training. Become more informed – see the bibliography at the end of this document, or contact the Alberta SPCA or your local SPCA/humane society.

What is being done to help?

In many communities, SPCAs and humane societies are working together with emergency shelters to find temporary accommodation for pets and encourage cross-reporting between agencies. However, much work needs to be done in this area. Social workers and other support workers should recognize that lack of facilities to house pets can be a big stumbling block that prevents abuse victims from leaving violent situations.