Animal Cruelty

Zeina Azzi Universit Saint-Joseph Psychology Department

Why Family Professionals Can No Longer Ignore Violence Toward Animals

Clifton P.Flynn (2000)

Family Relations, Vol.49, No.1, p.87-95

 Common occurrence Animal cruelty in childhood:

Troubled child and/or dysfunctional family Aggressive and violent behavior towards people Child abuse or domestic violence

Why Violence to Animals Has Been Ignored

Animals are valued less than people Higher priority to other issues Public perception is that animal abuse is rare Crimes against animals seen as isolated incidents Socially acceptable forms of violence against animals Animals cannot speak on their behalf

Why Violence to Animals Must Receive Attention

1. Serious Antisocial Behavior

Negative consequences for all members of society Rewarded by peer groups Linked with developing and proving ones masculinity Animal maltreatment to be punished by parents Helps identifying troubled youth and dysfunctional families

2. Childhood Experience of Animal Cruelty is Surprisingly Common

50% of children and 60% of male children exposed to animal cruelty One out of five children and one out of three male children may perpetrate it

3. Potential Negative Developmental Consequences

Serious indicator of child psychopathology (conduct disorder) Lack of concern for wellbeing of others and feelings of guilt Potential inhibition and distortion of empathy Experiencing animal cruelty leads to harmful psychological consequences More pronounced effects for violence witnesses than perpetrators

4. Childhood Animal Cruelty is Related to Interpersonal Violence

Childhood animal abuse related to:
interpersonal violence sexually agressive crimes serial killers (animal cruelty as a factor used by the FBI) approval of violence

5. Animal Abuse May be Marker of Family Violence

Levinson (1989): Women are more likely to be permanently injured, scarred, or even killed by their husbands in societies in which animals are treated cruelly. New Jersey: 88% of families with child abuse also presented animal abuse Severe physical punishment in childhood and exposure to animal cruelty: fathers and sons

6. Valued Companion Animals are Potential Victims

Pets harmed to control or emotionally abuse a family member

7. Ending Animal Abuse is an Important Step in Reducing All Violence

Understanding violence toward animals and its relationship to interpersonal violence

Conclusion
A neglected issue Important to pay attention to all forms of violence Promote a nonviolent society