The Link Between Animal Cruelty and Human Violence

People who hurt animals often don’t stop with animals.

There is a well-researched and established link between cruelty to animals and violence toward humans, including child abuse, domestic violence, elder abuse and other violent behavior.

A landmark study in 1997 found that animal abusers are in fact 5 TIMES AS LIKELY to also harm humans. Animal abuse is often thought of as a predictor crime; however, animal abuse doesn’t have to occur before abuse of humans.

This is why animal cruelty must be taken seriously by law enforcement, the court system and society, and not swept under any metaphorical rugs.

Find more information about “The Link”:

• FBI – The Link Between Animal Cruelty and Human Violence
• Animal Legal Defense Fund – The Link Between Cruelty to Animal and Violence Toward Humans
• National Sheriffs’ Association – Animal Cruelty and Domestic Violence
• National Link Coalition