American Humane Association Fights Against Animal Cruelty

The American Humane Association has been reporting on The Link between violence to people and violence to animals for years now. They have become one of the organizations on the forefront of both animal abuse and domestic abuse. This organization is deeply motivated and dedicated to helping victims of both, and is on a mission to educate people about how those who have a tendency to abuse animals will abuse humans, and vice versa.

AHA is a wonderful organization that I would encourage you to check out. From their website, donations will help to:

Advocate for legislation that protects animal victims of abuse, such as state bills that allow pets to be included in domestic-violence protective orders.

Advocacy gives animals a voice. For example, in Scottsbluff, Neb., an abused cat was removed by court order from the home of a woman whose boyfriend had assaulted her and previously beaten another kitten to death. What would have happened to the remaining cat without legal intervention?

Produce educational resources, such as the guides we’re currently creating for teachers and parents who suspect that a child is abusing animals.

Knowledge is power. Consider the recent case of a teenager in Florida who allegedly stalked, killed and mutilated more than a dozen helpless cats in his neighborhood. It might have never happened if an adult in the troubled teen’s life had recognized and addressed his penchant for violence.

Form community coalitions designed to spot and stop violence in all its forms.

There is safety in numbers. Statewide coalitions in Maine, Rhode Island, Delaware and New Mexico, as well as groups in cities such as Boston, Phoenix, Colorado Springs and San Antonio, have formed to spread awareness of The Link and increase the likelihood of identifying where and when violence may be occurring. More communities need to take action.
Train human services professionals on The Link and the importance of sharing information about abusers across organizations and systems.

Working together works. For example, In St. Louis, Mo., officials rescued 360 emaciated, parasite-infested dogs, cats, donkeys, guinea pigs and other animals from a private residence. During the search, the officials also discovered six children living in unfit conditions, and immediately contacted child protective services workers for assistance.

Serve as consultants in Link-related court cases.

The Link deserves its day in court. American Humane is currently consulting on a case involving a 6-month-old German shepherd puppy who was beaten to death by a man also known to be abusive toward family members. It’s important that judges and juries understand The Link when evaluating abusers’ behavior.
To donate, click here.