About the Link
Professors Arnold Arluke and Jack Levin of Northeastern University and Carter Luke of the MSPCA conducted the study which is the first to examine the relationship between violence against animals and crime in general. In the study, a number of cruelty cases prosecuted by the MSPCA between 1975 and 1996 were reviewed. Results indicate that 70 percent of those who committed crimes against animals had also been involved in other violent, property, drug, and disorderly crimes.
The study also concluded that a person who has committed animal abuse is:
- 5 times more likely to commit violence against people
- 4 times more likely to commit property crimes
- 3 times more likely to be involved in drunken or disorderly offenses
The results of this groundbreaking study established that an animal abuser is more often a potential danger to society and more likely to be involved in other crimes.
Laws and Legislation
The MSPCA has been actively involved in passing legislation that addresses the link; we:
- Worked on laws to facilitate the cross-reporting between animal and human services agencies.
- Advocated for a 2012 law that allows pets to be included in temporary protection orders.
- Facilitated the filing and passage of PAWS II in the Massachusetts 2017-18 legislative session that increases cross-reporting between agencies and adds animal crimes to the list of offenses that serve as the basis for a request for a determination of detention and/or release upon conditions.
- Supported the Federal PAWS Act, filed by Congresswoman Katherine Clark, that allows individuals to obtain an order of protection for themselves and their companion animals in cases of interstate domestic violence and stalking. It also established an Emergency and Transitional Pet Shelter and Housing Assistance Grant Program that would provide funding to eligible entities to establish short-term pet shelters and housing assistance. Learn more about the PAWS Act.
Resources
As many of 48% of domestic violence victims don’t leave, or delay leaving, a violent situation out of concern for a pet. These programs may be able to help by providing temporary care for a pet.
Link Up Education Network
Safe People Safe Pets Program
Metrowest
617-999-3055
Elizabeth Freeman Center
in partnership with Berkshire Humane Society and HAVEN
SafePet Program
413-447-7878 (Berkshire Humane Society)
413-499-2425 (Elizabeth Freeman Center)
MSPCA-Angell
Safe Pet program
617-522-7400
Alianza
Holyoke, Mass.
877-536-1628
Escape Grants/Red Rover
The Safe Escape grant program helps families with pets safely escape domestic violence together. Funding is mainly provided to help with the cost of temporary pet boarding while a client is in a domestic violence shelter, though other costs associated with boarding (like vaccinations) can be considered.
More information about the Link
Understanding the Link between Violence to Animals and People
Publication of the National District Attorneys Association (.pdf)
The National Link Coalition
Working together to stop violence against people and animals
