Press Releases

Thursday, January 15, 2009
For Immediate Release
Media Contact: Angela Speed
Direct: (414) 431-6104
E-mail: aspeed@wihumane.org

Recent Crimes Against Animals Spark Grave Concerns
Violence against animals and humans linked,
says Wisconsin Humane Society

MILWAUKEE – Staff at the Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS) were horrified to hear the news of not only the savage killing of five deer in Waupaca County, but also the slaying of fifty-seven ducks on the Fond du Lac River.

“This kind of brutality is deeply disturbing to anyone who has even an iota of respect for animals,” said Dezarae Jones Hartwig, education manager at WHS. “Staff and volunteers were saddened and shocked to hear about the deer and duck killings in Wisconsin this week.”

“There is also a strong chance that the individuals responsible for these crimes are engaged in domestic abuse or other forms of violence against humans,” Hartwig said.

The evidence of a link between cruelty to animals and violence toward humans is compelling. In fact, people who abuse animals are five times more likely to commit violent crime, four times more likely to commit property crimes and three times more likely to have drug or disorderly conduct offenses.

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. Countless violent offenders such as those responsible for the Columbine shootings, as well as Jeffrey Dahmer, had histories of animal abuse. The Federal Bureau of Investigation even incorporates animal cruelty into its “threat assessment” technique. Animal abuse is something the FBI believes is prominently displayed in the histories of people who are habitually violent.

The Wisconsin Humane Society regularly offers educational programs and opportunities to help end the cycle of violence and to educate young people to appreciate all living creatures.

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Photo/Interview Opportunity: Dezarae Jones Hartwig, WHS education manager, will be available for interviews between 1:00-3:30 p.m. today. Please contact Angela at 414.431.6104 or aspeed@wihumane.org to schedule an interview.