Animal Abuse in Domestic Violence
To many, our pets are like our children. We cherish them, we love them, and we protect them with our lives. For those in a domestic violence relationship, oftentimes their pets suffer too. Far too often, victims of domestic violence choose to remain in the abusive relationship out of fear of further abuse their beloved pet may suffer if they had to leave them behind.
Victims have reported that their abuser has threatened or physically abused their pet as a form of control, often causing emotional violence towards their partner. Research has found a direct “link” between cruelty to animals and violence towards humans. It is inevitably called “The Link”. It is proven that “the link” connects acts of cruelty towards animals to acts of violence towards humans. Research has shown that those who abuse animals are most likely to abuse children, intimate partners, and elders and engage in other violent behaviors. This link is why law enforcement must take animal cruelty seriously. Animals need to be protected, they need someone to advocate for them, and they need law enforcement and the judicial system to punish abusers who are cruel to helpless animals. Animal cruelty is a felony crime in all 50 states.
Some states allow pets to be included in personal protection orders to protect animals and victims better. A database was created in 2016 that tracks crimes against animals called the National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS). However, we as a society need to be more consistent about reporting animal abuse and ensuring that law enforcement follows up with investigating, prosecuting, and punishing abusers to the fullest extent of the law. (National Link Coalition “What is the Link?”, www.Nationallinkcoalition.org, Accessed 07/2025)
Children who have been abused and/or neglected are also at risk of inflicting violence on animals. Children who witness animal abuse are at risk of becoming abusers themselves. Children who harm animals need immediate help and should be referred to a specialist who can assess their emotional health and mental well-being.
Animal abuse has been called a “predictor crime,” meaning that the individual abusing animals will most likely engage in violent acts against their partners in the future.
“The emotional impact upon impressionable children who witness or perpetrate acts of animal cruelty can be lifelong and devastating.” (National Link Coalition, “How are animal abuse and other family violence linked?”, www.nationallinkcoalition.org, Accessed 07/2025)
What can you do to help? Report animal abuse. If you know or suspect someone is abusing an animal of any kind, report it to your local law enforcement agency and the nearest animal control office. Be sure to share details of the abuse the animal is suffering.
Report the names, addresses, locations, cross streets, phone numbers, descriptions of property, and other pertinent information that may help save the animal. Also, let your lawmakers know that you wish to see more animal protection laws enacted and punishments stronger for abusers.
The Lodge of Bravery is a safe haven for victims of domestic violence. The Lodge of Bravery also has an on-site, climate-controlled kennel for pets to reside in safety while staying with their beloved owner at the shelter. If you need advocacy, please contact the Advocacy Resource Center at (906) 632-1808. You are not alone.