By Mary Nee
For every one of its 120 years, the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) has been combatting animal neglect, cruelty, and abuse. This coming week marks National Animal Cruelty/Human Violence Awareness Week, an important time on a number of fronts. Sadly, the unspeakable act of abuse is nothing new; however awareness has increased and there are a number of services and programs available to help those trapped in an often helpless situation.
The connection between animal and human violence has been documented for decades, and studies have shown that animal abuse is more prevalent in homes that also experience child abuse, elder abuse, and domestic violence.
In cases of domestic abuse, cherished pets may be threatened to keep the victim in an abusive household; victims of abuse may also fear leaving the situation because there is no safe place able to take in both the human and animal victims.
According to a Northeastern University/MSPCA study, 70 percent of people who committed crimes against animals had also been involved in other violent crimes, and were also five times more likely to commit a violent act against another person. Children who witness violence in the home are also at an increased risk of displaying violence towards animals.
So how do we get to the root cause of abuse to stop it? An important first step is recognizing the signs. All of us recognize physical acts of abuse towards animals, but there are more subtle warnings that could indicate mistreatment, neglect or abuse.
Howling or barking for a sustained period of time, or hearing an animal cry in pain with a persistent, high-pitched vocal sound;
Singed, matted, or excessively dirty hair or fur;
Wounds, scars, fur loss, frequent limping (often on different legs), or signs of improper nutrition;
Animals kept caged or tied with little room to move for long periods of time;
Lack of protection from the weather or unsanitary living areas for animals;
Collars, leashes, or halters so tight they visibly dig into the animal’s face or neck;
A large number of animals coming or going from a property.
This is not an easy subject to digest, but the cycle of violence against both humans and animals must come to an end. You can be the voice for those who cannot speak for themselves, so if you know of, or suspect animal cruelty or abuse, please report it to ARL Law Enforcement at 617-426-9170 or your animal control officer. If you suspect child, elderly, or domestic violence, please contact your local police department.
Mary Nee, a Dorchester resident, is the president of the Animal Rescue League of Boston. For more information on animal cruelty prevention please log onto arlboston.org. Pet questions? Email ARL at press@arlboston.org.
