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Violence against animals is known as a predictor and indicator of other crimes. The Link refers to the connection between animal abuse, child abuse and neglect, elder abuse, domestic violence, and other forms of community violence.

Children who grow up witnessing animal abuse are at greater risk of becoming abusers as an adult, resulting in a cycle of violence that carries through to future generations.

Why are animals used as a target for violence?
Animals, like children and the elderly, are more vulnerable and therefore seen as easy targets for abuse. Many animal abusers also believe they won’t get caught, or that crimes committed against animals are not punishable by law.

In domestic abuse situations, an abuser harms animals in the home to intimidate or threaten their human victims and to show power and control. Animals are also used as an outlet for anger and frustration by someone who is living in an abusive situation; this could include children or adults.

Phil Arkow, National Link Coalition Coordinator, describes the animal and domestic violence abuse connection in Form of Emotional Blackmail: Animal Abuse as a Risk Factor for Domestic Violence:

“The depth of attachments to these pets, particularly among women and children in homes marked by domestic violence and child abuse, frequently enables batterers to target animals with threatened or actual cruelty as a form of emotional blackmail to gain additional power and control.”

“In homes marked by multiple concurrent forms of abuse behaviors, assaults on those perceived to be less worthy become a household norm and part of the culture of power and control…some abusers have reported that they attacked pets, specifically, because they believed such incidents would be less likely to draw the interest of law enforcement agencies.”

• As many as 71% of domestic violence survivors report that their partners killed, harmed or threatened animals as a means of demonstrating authority.

• More than a dozen studies have reported that from 18% to 48% of women entering shelters delayed their escape due to concerns for the welfare of pets or even livestock left behind.

In 2011, Minnesota District Courts handled 27,288 domestic violence cases (Source: Minnesota Coalition for Battered Women):

• 2,853 felony domestic assault
• 2,863 gross misdemeanor domestic assault
• 10,607 misdemeanor domestic assault; and
• 10,965 orders for protection --not including harassment restraining orders.

What other facts exist linking animal abuse and violent crimes?
• Seven of the school shootings that occurred between 1997 and 2001 involved shooters who had previously tortured or killed animals.

• 43% of school shooters have animal abuse in their background. (Arluke & Madfis, 2013)

• In a 1996 study of 36 convicted murderers, 46% admitted to having tortured animals as an adolescent. (Cohen)

• 35% of search warrants executed for animal abuse or dog fighting investigations resulted in seizures of narcotics or guns. 82% of offenders arrested for animal abuse violations had prior arrests for battery, weapons or drug charges. (Chicago Crime Commission, 2004)

• A 1997 study in Massachusetts found that 70% of animal abusers had also committed crimes related to violence, drugs, property damage and disorderly conduct. (Arluke & Luke)

• A 1983 study found that in 83% of the homes where children were being abused, animals were also being abused or neglected. (DeViney, Dicket & Lockwood)
The connection between animal cruelty and humane violence is clear, and according to a study by Lockwood and Church, “The FBI identifies animal cruelty as one of the several juvenile behaviors with increasingly violent behavior.” In 2015 the FBI decided to categorize animal cruelty as a “Group A” felony, making it easier for them – as well as local law enforcement – to track cases. Collection and analysis of nationwide data is expected to start in 2016.

For an in-depth look at research surrounding the connection between violence against humans and animals, read this comprehensive guidebook created by Allie Phillips of the National District Attorneys Association.

Does animal cruelty and human violence happen in Minnesota?
Yes. There are numerous cases in Minnesota that have involved “the link,” where an offender harmed an animal to intimidate or threaten a human or directly abused another person. Below ae just three case examples:

• Gabrielle Tywon Allen: In 2012, Allen allegedly threw three, one-week-old puppies at her boyfriend during a fight outside an apartment complex. Records from the Minnesota Judicial Branch show Allen has a total of 6 incidents on record for alcohol violations, traffic violations, disorderly conduct, domestic assault, and animal cruelty.

• Thomas James Hart: In 2011, Hart drowned his girlfriend’s ferret in a bowl of water, and then threatening her and a friend with a knife. Hart and his girlfriend were in the process of breaking up and he had previously threatened to kill her ferret. Records from the Minnesota Judicial Branch show Hart has a total of 3 incidents on record for drugs, obstructing the legal process, and animal cruelty.

• Anthony Albert Gomez: In 2007, Gomez pleaded guilty to killing and beheading the dog of a 17-year-old girl, believed to be a love interest of Gomez. According to reports, she had rejected the advances of the 24-year old man. He placed the dog’s head in a gift-wrapped box with Valentine’s Day candy and left it at her front door. Gomez reported that he watched someone else shoot the dog and then asked them to behead it. Records from the Minnesota Judicial Branch show Gomez has a total of 8 incidents on record for assault, disorderly conduct, or terroristic threats.

Does Minnesota have laws that protect animals and people in abusive situations?
Yes. Minnesota statutes can help protect people and animals from abuse. Examples:

Minn. Stat. Chapter 343 Prevention of Cruelty to Animals:
This statute helps protect animals. An animal is defined by Minn. Stat. sec. 343.20 Subd. 2 as “…every living creature except members of the human race.” Penalties within this law are higher if an act of cruelty is committed to threaten, terrorize, or intimidate a person, as defined below:

Sec. 343.21 Subd. 9 Penalty:
• “A person who intentionally violates subdivision 1 or 7 where the violation results in substantial bodily harm to a pet or companion animal, and the act is done to threaten, intimidate, or terrorize another person, may be sentenced to imprisonment for not more than two years or to payment of a fine of not more than $5,000, or both.”
• “A person who intentionally violates subdivision 1 or 7 where the violation results in death or great bodily harm to a pet or companion animal, and the act is done to threaten, intimidate, or terrorize another person, may be sentenced to imprisonment for not more than four years or to payment of a fine of not more than $10,000, or both.”

Minn. Stat. Chapter 518B Domestic Abuse:
Section 518B.01 of this Statute is known as the Domestic Abuse Act. Per Subdivision 7, an ex parte order for protection can include, “directing the respondent to refrain from physically abusing or injuring any pet or companion animal, without legal justification, known to be owned, possessed, kept, or held by either party or a minor child residing in the residence or household of either party as an indirect means of intentionally threatening the safety of such person.”

Minn. Stat. sec. 609.294 Bestiality:
Animal sexual abuse is a crime in Minnesota. The law states "Whoever carnally knows a dead body or an animal or bird is guilty of bestiality, which is a misdemeanor. If knowingly done in the presence of another the person may be sentenced to imprisonment for not more than one year or to payment of a fine of not more than $3,000 or both." As this act is a misdemeanor, often it gets charged under Chapter 343 which allows for a higher penalty for companion animals. Animal sexual abuse is linked to other crimes, including sexual abuse of children and adults.

What can I do if I suspect someone is abusing a person or an animal? Or if I am the one being abused?

The Spot Abuse Project has developing a campaign (link below) to encourage people to dial 9-1-1 when they suspect animal abuse.

Spot Abuse video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TyuXkdqvJpw&feature=youtu.be
Video Courtesy of The Spot Abuse Project

The statistics are eye-opening: an estimated 76 percent of animal abusers also abusing a member of their family. If you suspect an animal or person is living in an abusive situation, contact your local police department or sheriff’s office. If you are being abused or feel your life is in danger, seek help immediately by calling 911.

The Minnesota Coalition for Battered Woman has compiled a list of resources for women who are victims of domestic violence, including emergency hotline numbers and information on what to expect when you contact a domestic abuse shelter. You can also find an extensive list of services and programs by county on their website.

Do any domestic abuse shelters in Minnesota allow pets?
Yes. Many domestic abuse shelters will either allow a woman to bring her pets along, or will help find temporary placement for her pets while she is at the shelter.

Listed below are some of the domestic abuse shelters in Minnesota that provide services for women and their pets. You can also visit RedRover project or Animal Welfare Institute’s Safe Havens Mapping Project to search by city or state.

• Anna Marie’s Alliance – St. Cloud, MN
• Cornerstone Advocacy Service – Bloomington, MN
• Home Free Shelter – Minneapolis, MN
• Mid-Minnesota Women’s Center – Brainerd, MN
• Safe Haven Shelter and Resource Center – Duluth, MN
• Women’s Shelter, Inc. – Rochester, MN

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