Local Cases Link Animal Abuse and Domestic Violence
February 23, 2010
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Bill seeks to protect victims of domestic violence and their pets
As accounts of domestic violence are reportedly increasing, including six deaths in the Commonwealth in 2010, the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (MSPCA) is working with legislators and organizations across the state to protect victims of domestic abuse by permitting judges to include pets in restraining orders in cases of domestic violence. The pending bill speaks to ongoing research linking animal abuse and domestic violence, showing that pets are often used by abusers to control the victim.
Melinda Thomas from the Womanshelter/Compañeras in Springfield is a survivor of domestic abuse. She experienced firsthand the trauma of this abuse, made worse by her inability to include her pets on a restraining order against her husband.
“While I maintained an active restraining order to protect myself and my daughter, there was no protection for our companion animals,” said Thomas. “Inclusion would have provided the necessary legal protection for them to remain in our care. Instead, our pets were killed. My daughter and I were both traumatized by the loss of our companions, and this was clearly a message to me to stop seeking help from the police and the courts.”
Animal welfare groups note that this bill will also provide protection for volunteers who provide temporary “foster care” for a pet while the owner seeks safety. Most shelters for domestic violence victims do not accept pets.
Advocates for the bill gathered in January at the State House to urge for the bill’s passage. Leading supporters include the MSPCA, State Representative Katherine Clark (D-Melrose), State Representative Peter Koutoujian (D- Waltham), and State Senator Patricia Jehlen (D-Somerville) as well as law enforcement officials, animal control officers, domestic violence organizations, animal welfare organizations, and veterinarians.
Senator Jehlen cautioned that “deaths from domestic violence are on the rise in Massachusetts, and by expanding protections to pets, we increase the likelihood of saving children and families who are in life-threatening situations and need to leave.”
“Since January 9th, there have been at least six deaths across the state related to domestic violence,” Representative Clark explained. “This staggering statistic highlights the need to implement legislation that can assist victims of domestic violence, and further eliminate ties that abusers have to their victims. Too often, abusers use pets to control their victims. Through this legislation, we can better protect domestic violence victims and their families, including their pets.”
Additional recent cases demonstrate the need for animal protection. In Hull, police prosecuted a batterer in a case that ended with the death of an eight-week-old puppy. Late last year, the Middlesex District Attorney reported the sentencing of a Framingham man who strangled a girlfriend and had routinely beat her two dogs by “punching them, kicking them, throwing them at walls, and on at least one occasion off of a second story porch.”
Studies also show that up to 48% of people will not leave, or will return to, a violent relationship due to a fear of what might happen to the animal if left behind. Based on a study by the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (MSPCA) and Northeastern University, people who abuse animals are five times more likely to commit violent crimes against people.
