The recent death of a family cat by a military member under protection orders from his command to stay away from his wife and two daughters has reminded me again of the problem of pets as victims of domestic violence.
In recent years, a strong connection has been documented linking animal abuse and domestic violence. A New Jersey study found that in 88 percent of families where there had been physical abuse of children, there were also records of animal abuse.
In Wisconsin, battered women revealed that in four out of five cases, abusive partners had also been violent toward pets or livestock. The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence conducted its own study in which 85 percent of women and 63 percent of children reported incidents of pet abuse after arriving at domestic violence shelters. Women who do seek safety at shelters are nearly 11 times more likely to report that their partner has hurt or killed their animals than women who have not experienced domestic abuse.
Why do abusers batter animals?
• To demonstrate power and control over the family
• To isolate the victim and children
• To enforce submission
• To perpetuate an environment of fear
• To prevent the victim from leaving or coerce them to return
• To punish the victim for leaving or showing independence
Sadly, victims of domestic violence often remain in dangerous or dysfunctional relationships to protect their pets. A study of women seeking temporary safe shelter showed that 71 percent of those having companion animals reported their partners had threatened, hurt, or killed their animals. It is likewise well-documented that many more abuse victims never even go to a shelter because they fear for the safety of the pets they must leave behind.
In recognition of this phenomenon, 21 states, including Washington (www.animallaw.info/statutes/stuswast26.50.060.htm), have passed laws that 1) empower judges to include pets in court-issued orders of protection; and/or 2) include the harm or threat of harm to animals in the state’s legal definition of domestic violence.
Animal cruelty is increasingly viewed as a serious issue by professionals in law enforcement and mental health as well as by the general public. The effective prosecution of animal abuse has many benefits. It can provide an early response to those who are, or who are at risk of becoming, a threat to the safety of others. It can provide another tool for the protection of those who are victims of domestic violence. Finally, it helps protect our companion animals that have no voice of their own.
Dr. Kiel is the U.S. Army veterinarian currently supporting NAS Whidbey Island and Naval Station Everett. His columns appear the first and third Friday of each month. Please send questions or comments to Dr. Kiel at joseph.kiel@navy.mil.
