Facts about the Link Between Domestic Violence and Animal Cruelty
Why it Matters
- Most U.S. households have pets, and pets are often considered part of the family. Recognizing the bonds between victims and their pets, many batterers threaten, harm, and kill pets in the home in order to control, intimidate, and retaliate against their victims.
- 71% of pet-owning women entering domestic violence shelters reported that their abuser had injured, maimed, killed or threatened family pets for revenge or to psychologically control victims. 32% reported their children had hurt or killed animals. Read the rest of this entry »