Animal Law Review
First Page
81
Abstract
The idea that there is a connection between the way individuals treat animals and human beings has a long history in Western popular culture, but a shorter history as the subject of scientific research. Recently, a growing body of evidence has confirmed an association between repeated, intentional abuse of animals and a variety of violent antisocial behaviors including child abuse, domestic violence, and violent criminal activities. The public made this connection before most law-enforcement or menial health officials. Public sentiment for tougher and better-enforced animal cruelty laws is strong, and there has been a dramatic response to recent high-profile animal abuse cases. Sensitivity to the importance of animal abuse as both an indicator of exposure to violence in the home and a predictor of increased risk for future acts of violence against people, promises to be an important tool to prevent many forms of societal violence.
Recommended Citation
Randall Lockwood,
Animal Cruelty and Violence Against Humans: Making the Connection,
5
Animal L. Rev.
81
(1999).
Available at:
https://lawcommons.lclark.edu/alr/vol5/iss1/7