Types of Animal Cruelty

[Bill]

What kind of cases do you see the most in your profession? What are some typical motivations for animal cruelty?

[Dr. Melinda Merck]

Animal cruelty is actually defined by the law. There are local laws (ordinances), state, and federal laws. These range from inproper housing, food or water; lack of medical care; gunshots; stabbings; blunt force trauma; sexual assault; ritualistic crimes; drowning; asphyxia; neglect; and animal fighting. The most common type of cruelty is neglect and sometimes that is not a felony even if the animal starves to death. This has to do with intent - if we can prove intent then we can often get a higher charge. The motivations are variable and sometimes situation dependant. There is a huge link between domestic violence and animal cruelty. The animal is used to instill fear and gain power and control over the family or partner. Some cases may be impulse control/anger management; some may be purely for sadistic reasons. Whenever a child commits cruelty, it is a huge warning sign of probable abuse going on to that child - emotional and/or physical. Hoarders - well that is very complex. The Tufts Hoarding Consortium website has a lot more information on hoarding and the possible reasons and triggers behind this behavior.