ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the connection between crimes against animals and forms of violent criminal behavior. Animal abuse has been found to be disproportionally present in situations of partner abuse, child physical abuse, child sexual abuse, and sibling abuse. In the domestic setting, pets can be used as weapons of terror and psychological abuse by an aggressive family member to exercise power and control over more vulnerable family members. Animal abuse investigations are vital because animal maltreatment is a co-occurring and central aspect of interpersonal violence. However, a variety of agencies or authorities may respond to reports of animal cruelty in different communities, and there may be a failure to understand the roles among agencies. The association between animal abuse and interpersonal violence is commonly referred to as “The Link.” Animal cruelty may precede, coincide with, or follow a broad range of antisocial behaviors, including domestic violence and elder and child abuse.
