The link between family violence and animal abuse: How can we develop a more humane community?

I would say that it all starts with us and our values, if we value our neighbor (which I feel that we currently don't) then the whole community goes to hell in a hand basket. I feel that the best way to put this into action is for like minded people to unite in their effort.

"I feel that the best way to put this into action is for like minded people to unite in their effort." - Brian Taylor Do you think a community can come to a consensus about how to approach and address abuse?

Well Kathleen, you might be opening an avenue in this discussion I hadn't expected.

Absolutely Julia.

Violence begets violence usually.

A weak man or woman that comes home from work angry will take revenge out on a weaker person or pet always.

A six pack of beer and beat the shit out of the kids, spouse or dog.

I've always felt that by showing compassion for animals in tangible ways demonstrates to others that it is not only possible, but essential, as part of the human makeup, to be kind to animals. By "tangible," I mean things like volunteering at a shelter or humane society; helping injured or lost animals; simply showing children how to approach and pet an animal in a kind, gentle fashion, not eating meat. In answer to your question "Is recognizing & reporting animal abuse a matter of public safety?" I'd say "Yes! Most definitely!"

The link between family violence and animal abuse is one that psychologists and social workers have known for decades. It's well-known that abusive men keep their spouse under their thumbs by threatening to harm, or actually harming, the family pet (sorry, it's mostly men - I realize some women are abusive, too). There's also a close link between animal abuse by a child and escalating abuse towards humans as that child becomes an adult. Jeffrey Dahmer and other serial killers had histories of torturing animals as children.

I don't go around saying "Look at me, look at what a compassionate person I am" whenever I save an animal (and I've saved many, since I was a child) - but I do know that people NOTICE my actions. I know that they can be UPLIFTED by my actions. Several years ago, I read an article in the newspaper about a woman whose house was used as a crack house when she was away on a vacation. She returned to a wreck of a house, but worse yet, her cat had been tortured and abused by the squatters. The article mentioned where she worked, and that afternoon I bought a cat bed and tunnel, cat toys, and some cat food, then drove to her workplace. I walked in her office and said "Hi, I heard what happened to you and to your pet, and I thought maybe you'd like to give him these things." She stared at me in astonishment and said "What, are you angel?" and started crying (so did I). I left shortly after and never saw her again.

A couple years back, while in the downtown Barnes & Noble at lunch time, I noticed a movement between the window and the large boards on the sidewalk, which workmen had put up. I saw through the glass that it was a large woodpecker, sandwiched in-between the glass and boards. It couldn't spread its wings to get out. I saw that it was Xcel Energy doing the work, and I ran to my office and called Xcel. I managed to get through to the manager of the men doing the work, and told him about the woodpecker. He said they'd remove the boards to release it. So, I ran back across the street, just as the workmen were starting to move the boards. It took a bit of doing, but suddenly, the bird flew up over our heads, and we all stood transfixed, watching it fly down Nicollet Mall, going higher and higher. We all started clapping and laughing - what a great feeling!

I mean, come on, why NOT do stuff like that? I was so glad to see that the poor girl whose dog had been beheaded received cards and letters and support from around the WORLD. We have to remember that for all of the abusive, cruel people out there, there are many more loving, kind people.

I don't have any big answers, but if people show by their words AND actions that animals should be loved and respected, the world will be a better place. I'm including ALL animals - not just cute companion animals - meaning farm animals and wild animals. Hunting and eating meat, while not abusive behaviors per se, still demonstrate a lack of compassion and respect towards animals, in my mind. (Yeah, I know I'm in the minority here.)

I'm a producer on Morning Edition. The host of our show talked with Phil Arkow of the American Humane Association about this issue this morning. He says there needs to be a broader picture of what we consider domestic abuse. Here's the link: http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2007/03/29/violence/

After we got this interview on the air this morning, I noticed an article in the paper about a missing Yorkie who was recently returned to its family because someone had the kind of take action approach I see in Zeldapie's comment. Here's that link: http://www.startribune.com/462/story/1086264.html

Zackly, Larissa! It warmed my heart to read what that person did to get the Yorkie back to its family.

Like the 17 year old kid down in the Cities somewhere who stole his ex-girlfriends dog, cut it's head off and left it wrapped like a present at her front door?? Hopefully he gets locked up for a long time because that is absultely f**ked up.

In my mind it is ludicrous to even consider that animal abuse and neglect aren't a public safety concern. Most domestic abuse offenders have a history of animal abuse as well.

Zeldapie - though I do eat meat and have a long family tradition of hunting, I deeply respect the view point that hunting and/or eating meat is unethical. I have thought about it a lot and feel that eating meat (as well as eggs, dairy, etc) in and of itself isn't unethical but am deeply concerned about the quality of life and death of the animals that are born and raised soley for food supply.

Nathan - I agree - the guy is seriously deranged and is definitely a public menace. I'd like to see tougher penalties for animal cruelty, many places treat it as only a slap on the hand. I think I heard that one of his charges was making terroristic threats...

Kathleen - I wrestle with the issue of capital punishment. I have a firmly held belief that all life is sacred and to punish death and violence with death is counter-productive BUT at the same time I can find many good arguments in favor of it.

Julia - Thanks for bring up the topic! I always enjoy the discussions you bring up!