It has long been believed by members of humane law enforcement that persons involved in animal abuse are often involved in committing other types of crimes as well. This observation was validated in a study done by Northeastern University and the MSPCA.
In the study, a number of cruelty cases prosecuted by the MSPCA between 1975 and 1996 were reviewed.
Professors Arnold Arluke and Jack Levin of Northeastern University and Carter Luke of the MSPCA conducted the study which was the first to examine the relationship between violence against animals and crime in the general population. 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 ground-breaking study established that an animal abuser is more often a potential danger to society and more likely to be involved in other crimes.
