American Humane to Testify in Kentucky that Cruelty to Animals Is an Indicator of Other Forms of Violence

2/18/2003

From: Anna Gonce of American Humane, 303-925-9462, annag@americanhumane.org

DENVER, Feb. 18 -- On Tuesday, Feb. 18, Kentucky legislators will hear testimony as they consider making the state the next to join 37 other states and the District of Columbia in making animal cruelty a felony. If passed, the proposed Senate Bill 24 will make cruelty to dogs and cats a Class D felony. Cruelty to other types of animals will remain a misdemeanor. American Humane, the only national organization dedicated to both child and animal protection and an expert in the Link between cruelty to animals and other crimes of violence, will provide testimony in support of the bill proposed by Sen. Tom Buford (R-Ky.).

States are increasingly mandating felony-level convictions for animal cruelty in response to research indicating people who are violent to animals are likely to be violent to humans -- a correlation commonly referred to as the Link. Suzanne Barnard, American Humane's vice president of public policy, will present research that shows premeditated torture or killing of animals is often a predictor of other types of violent behavior, such as child abuse, domestic violence, gang activity, and satanic ritual. In fact, the association between criminal violence and animal abuse is so common the FBI's profiles of serial killers include histories of animal abuse.

Sen. Buford said he introduced this legislation after seeing a large number of newspaper articles and stories about animal cruelty in the past two years. "People who torture animals must be held accountable for their actions, not only for the animals' sake, but also for the community's sake," he said. "Studies show that animal abuse is a warning that action is needed to stop the cycle of increasing violence."

"Cruelty to animals is a serious offense that is a proven indicator of deeper problems in an individual. If not treated early it will almost definitely lead to more violent acts directed toward both animals and humans. Perpetrators must be held accountable for their actions and treatment delivered," added Barnard.

The Kentucky Senate State and Local Government Committee is scheduled to vote on this issue in the next few weeks. After this legislation is voted out of committee it will be brought to the full Senate for a vote. American Humane urges Kentuckians to contact their local senator to voice their support of SB 24.

------ About American Humane Founded in 1877, American Humane is the only national organization dedicated to both child and animal protection. Headquartered in Denver, with regional offices in Washington, DC, and Los Angeles, American Humane provides national leadership in the development of programs and policies, empowering child and animal protection professionals with valuable information and support resources. For more information, visit http://www.americanhumane.org.