Stop Would-Be Abusers Before They Start

Since 1894 -- shortly after our founding in 1877 -- American Humane has been working to raise awareness of what we call The Link® between violence to people and violence to animals.

A crime against an animal should never be taken lightly. First, it is cruel in its own right. Second, it is often a red flag -- a sign that the perpetrator could be capable of hurting people, too.

Please join American Humane in spreading knowledge of The Link and stopping the cycle of violence behind it!

Your gift will help us:

• Advocate for legislation that protects animal victims of abuse, such as state bills that allow pets to be included in domestic-violence protective orders.
  • Advocacy gives animals a voice. For example, in Scottsbluff, Neb., an abused cat was removed by court order from the home of a woman whose boyfriend had assaulted her and previously beaten another kitten to death. What would have happened to the remaining cat without legal intervention?
• Produce educational resources, such as the guides we’re currently creating for teachers and parents who suspect that a child is abusing animals.
  • Knowledge is power. Consider the recent case of a teenager in Florida who allegedly stalked, killed and mutilated more than a dozen helpless cats in his neighborhood. It might have never happened if an adult in the troubled teen’s life had recognized and addressed his penchant for violence.
• Form community coalitions designed to spot and stop violence in all its forms.
  • There is safety in numbers. Statewide coalitions in Maine, Rhode Island, Delaware and New Mexico, as well as groups in cities such as Boston, Phoenix, Colorado Springs and San Antonio, have formed to spread awareness of The Link and increase the likelihood of identifying where and when violence may be occurring. More communities need to take action.
• Train human services professionals on The Link and the importance of sharing information about abusers across organizations and systems.
  • Working together works. For example, In St. Louis, Mo., officials rescued 360 emaciated, parasite-infested dogs, cats, donkeys, guinea pigs and other animals from a private residence. During the search, the officials also discovered six children living in unfit conditions, and immediately contacted child protective services workers for assistance.
• Serve as consultants in Link-related court cases.
  • The Link deserves its day in court. American Humane is currently consulting on a case involving a 6-month-old German shepherd puppy who was beaten to death by a man also known to be abusive toward family members. It’s important that judges and juries understand The Link when evaluating abusers’ behavior.

Please help American Humane continue this vital work. Donate today!