The Link Between Animal Abuse and Human Violence: What Research Shows

A substantial body of research documents the link between animal abuse and interpersonal violence. Understanding this connection has important implications for welfare advocacy and social policy.

Key Facts

Research consistently finds that animal abuse is a significant predictor of interpersonal violence including domestic abuse
Children who witness or participate in animal cruelty show higher rates of subsequent aggressive behaviour
Domestic abusers frequently threaten or harm pets to control and intimidate human partners
The FBI added animal abuse as a category in its Uniform Crime Reports in 2016 recognising its criminological significance
Links programmes connecting animal welfare services with domestic violence support have shown promising outcomes
Animal welfare workers are often the first to detect indicators of domestic violence through animal abuse cases

Welfare Considerations

The link between animal abuse and human violence has important practical implications for how welfare organisations, social services, and law enforcement work together. Treating animal abuse as a serious crime — not a minor offence — sends a signal that violence against sentient beings is unacceptable, which has spillover effects on norms about interpersonal violence. Welfare services that share information with domestic violence support organisations enable earlier intervention. Safe foster programmes for pets of domestic violence survivors removing a barrier to escape are an important cross-sector collaboration. Advocating for robust animal cruelty sentencing supports both animal welfare and human safety outcomes.

What You Can Do

Support links programmes connecting domestic violence services with animal welfare organisations in your area
Advocate for strong sentencing for animal cruelty offences in your jurisdiction
Engage with domestic violence organisations about safe pet fostering programmes for survivors
Support training for animal welfare workers to recognise and report indicators of domestic violence
Raise awareness about the link between animal abuse and human violence with policymakers and practitioners