The Link

"The Link" Between Animal Abuse,
Child Abuse and Domestic Violence

Anyone who has accustomed himself to regard the life of any living creature as worthless is in danger of arriving also at the idea of worthless human lives.”
~Albert Schweitzer

Many children go through a period of innocent cruelty in which they harm small living creatures while exploring their world. Guidance from responsible parents and teachers help them develop empathy for the pain animals can suffer.

“Animal abuse by any member of the family, whether parent or child, often means child abuse is going on too.”
~Randall Lockwood, Psychologist, HSUS

Some children become locked into a lifetime of cruelty. They find satisfaction
in hurting small creatures, then larger pets, then younger children,
and so on until everyone is a target.
Almost every serial killer develops this way, and stories of their childhood
involve abuse by parents and/or family members, and increasing cruelty to animals.
"Honor every being, for each is needed to complete the tapestry of life on earth."
-Penelope Smith

Do not ignore acts of cruelty to animals.
Guide young children to treat all living creatures kindly, and if guidance does not work, seek counseling. If you suspect a child is being abused of neglected, report it immediately. Be willing to testify in court and document conversations and evidence.

Bibliography of the Link Between Animal Abuse, Child Abuse and Domestic Violence
This site has additional website links and many books listed as resources.

A Common Bond: Maltreated Children
and Animals in the Home --
Guidelines for Practice and Policy

Published by American Humane
"A Common Bond is intended to serve as a resource for court personnel, child welfare professionals and animal protection officers
by providing a framework within which individuals and agencies
can work together to protect both children and animals."

For more information on this publication and how
you can receive your own copy, go here