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The Link Between Animal Abuse and
Domestic Violence
Whenever an animal
is abused, a chain reaction begins in our community.
Not only does an innocent animal get injured, but
the person who commits the offense often falls into
a cycle that could ultimately result in violence
against other people. The evidence of a link between
cruelty to animals and violence toward humans is
compelling. In the vast majority of cases, cruelty
to animals is just one aspect of a social environment
marked by violence. In fact, people who abuse animals
are five times more likely to commit violent crime.
Animal abuse,
like many other forms of abuse, is about power and
control over a helpless victim. It is intolerable.
By taking action against animal cruelty, we not
only prevent animal suffering, but also uncover
and perhaps prevent additional crimes. Understand
the link and take animal abuse seriously. Hurting
an animal hurts us all.
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Police
Training Coalition
WHS works with
the Milwaukee Police Department Training Academy
to give officers the information they need
to identify and investigate cases of animal
abuse and neglect. Trained speakers from WHS
give presentations that encourage officers
to take animal abuse seriously and work toward
breaking the cycle of violence. The presentation
teaches officers about ways that WHS is working
to end neglect, shows them signs of animal
neglect to watch for, and describes how animal
abuse can be a sign that deeper problems exist
in the home.
For more
information or to schedule police training
in your community, contact Jill
DeGrave at 414-431-6111.
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A
Safe Haven for Animal Victims of Domestic
Violence
The Wisconsin
Humane Society cares for animals of domestic
violence victims so that they can move to
temporary shelters, knowing that their companions
are safe. For more information, contact 414-431-6106.
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