The Link

Whenever an animal is abused, a chain reaction begins in our community. Not only does an innocent animal get injured, but the person who commits the offense often falls into a cycle that could ultimately result in violence against other people. Research continually finds a clear link between animal abuse by those who often go on to commit violent acts against people. Animal abuse does not only hurt animals; it affects our entire community.

Animal abuse also has a strong connection to domestic violence. Victims' dogs and cats are often used by abusers as pawns to manipulate and control them. In an abusive home, a companion animal may serve as a lone confidant for an abused woman or child; by hurting the animal, an abuser is taking advantage of the victim’s concern for his or her animal. Abusers may threaten animals to keep children and partners from reporting abuse or to keep them from leaving. Often acts of abuse are perpetuated in the presence of adult and child victims. By hurting the animals, an abuser is sending the message that a human victim could be next.

Children who witness such abuse are three times more likely to abuse animals and later in life, to play a role in an abusive relationship. Family violence perpetuates the detrimental cycle of violence.

Victims often have no options to care for animals when an abusive situation occurs. To respond, some humane societies provide temporary shelter for animals of domestic violence victims to help lessen the stress of the situation. However, more needs to be done to make it possible for victims of domestic violence who are concerned about the welfare of their animals and families.

Why legislation to include animals in restraining orders is important

Many victims are hesitant to leave a dangerous situation because they fear for their animal’s safety. Their fears are not unfounded. Abusers sometimes retaliate when their victim leaves by torturing or killing their animals.

Currently, an abused person can obtain temporary and permanent restraining orders issued by the court to keep abusers from having contact with them or with their children. However, concern for the animal’s well-being is not addressed, leaving some victims afraid to leave a situation that is unsafe.

Recently, some states have changed their legislation to include protections for victims' animals, which gives people the opportunity to leave an abusive situation with peace of mind. Such legislation has passed in Maine, Vermont and New York and has been introduced in several other states. Wisconsin proposed a similar bill that would include companion animals in restraining orders last year, but the bill didn’t pass.

Contact your legislator about the importance of including animals in restraining orders.