Animal Cruelty

I read a news story by Binny Gudjonsson, accompanied by a video, that made me wonder why some people can be cruel to animals but others can act with compassion. A wolf was pulled from icy waters off an Italian coast. It was near death having suffered from hypothermia, was malnourished and had injuries to his hind legs causing paralysis. The wolf’s heart stopped when they pulled him from the water, but they were able to revive him. It had been shot multiple times. The vet found 35 lead pellets in the wolf. After two weeks the wolf was able to walk again. I don’t know if the shooting of this wolf was lawful, but surely it was excessive and caused unnecessary pain and suffering. This wolf was saved by compassionate people.

What is animal abuse? Animal abuse ranges from neglect to malicious killing. The FBI definition of animal abuse is “intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly taking an action that mistreats or kills any animal without just cause, such as torturing, tormenting, mutilation, maiming, poisoning, or abandonment. Included are instances of duty to provide care, e.g., shelter, food, water, care if sick or injured; transporting or confining an animal in a manner likely to cause injury or death; causing an animal to fight with one another; inflicting excessive or repeated unnecessary pain or suffering, e.g., uses objects to beat or injure an animal. This definition does not include proper maintenance of animals for show or sport; use of animals for food, lawful hunting, fishing or trapping.”

The good news is that animal cruelty charges have been upgraded. According to TheAnimalRescueSite.org, the FBI has reclassified animal cruelty to a felony equal to that of arson, burglary, kidnaping and murder. This will take effect in 2016, allowing for the tracking of violent crimes. Animal abuse crimes will be added to the National Incident Based Reporting System making it easier to track for improved enforcement.

This is not only a victory for animal lovers, but for all people because there is sometimes cross-over between animal abuse and violence toward people. People who commit acts of abuse are psychologically unhealthy. That person is likely to have been the victim of violence, witnessed violence or may perpetrate acts of violence toward others. Many adults who are violent have been abusive toward animals as a child or adolescent. They may abuse others in an attempt to gain power, control and dominance.

So where do we intervene? The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles developed a four-week program for youth, “Teaching Love and Compassion,” to counteract violence. This is a model we can all apply to the children in our care.

Practice compassion and teach empathy to others. Compassion, empathy, altruism and kindness are qualities we want in our children. Although children differ in their temperament and can be more or less sensitive to others’ needs, these traits can be learned and fostered. These qualities evolve, change and mature in an individual. Surround your child with love, model compassion, and find opportunities to teach the lessons of kindness for others. Fostering compassion in young people can prevent emotional, verbal and physical abuse from taking roots.

Some people believe that adopting a pet can teach children how to care for others, but don’t do so at the expense of the pet. When considering adoption be sure that all household members agree and will be responsible for the pet’s welfare. Don’t take a pet into your home if you suspect that one household member lacks the capacity to be gentle and caring. As with all issues pertaining to violence, whether it is domestic violence, child or elder abuse, safety is of primary concern for the animal.