NCJ Number
200961
Date Published
2003
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This chapter examines the risk for animal cruelty in homes where children, elders, and dependent adults (disabled adults) are abused, as well as why the detection of animal cruelty is important for the decision to perform family intervention measures.
Abstract
The behavioral cues of the abusive or negligent caregiver are similar whether the one at risk is an animal, a child, an elder, or a person with a disability. The common factors in the background of the person who abuses any of these victims are a history of abuse or neglect in the caregiver's own childhood; the use of harsh discipline or rigid or inappropriate rules; lack of knowledge about developmentally appropriate norms and the need for flexibility as well as boundaries; judgmental interpretation and cruel treatment of problematic behaviors; abuse of alcohol or drugs; overuse or inappropriate use of medication or physical restraints to control or punish; and restricting access to the outside or to other people. Parents and caregivers may abuse or threaten to abuse an animal in order to control a child, and an animal may serve as a barometer for families needing help because its requirements are more straightforward than the subtleties of bonding between parent and child. Animal abuse is a problem of human behavior, and animal welfare workers are eager to cooperate with law enforcement, child protective, and adult protective services in investigations and monitoring. In most States, animal control officers are mandated reporters of child abuse. Humane organizations use gardening and animal care to teach gentleness and empathy to children and parents from violent homes and communities. Through participation in an enjoyable activity, humane and altruistic values and actions are encouraged and reinforced, especially if they are shared by a nurturing community of fellow gardeners or dog walkers. A case vignette with follow-up questions is provided. 18 selected readings