AR-News: (OK - US) Op-ed on animal cruelty by Tulsa World Editorial Writer

[Snugglezzz at aol.com]

Animal cruelty sign of bigger problem in society 
By JANET PEARSON Editorial Writer 
7/4/2004 


In some ways, Amaya and Melody are lucky. 

They are luckier than Gizmo, a Yorkshire terrier who was thrown and kicked to 
death. And Homeboy, a 12-year-old cat killed when it was kicked in the 
stomach and head and thrown to an alligator. And Ice, a gray-and-white kitten killed 
when it was kicked, doused with liquor and set on fire. 

Amaya is the Tulsa heeler mix now recovering at the Tulsa Society for the 
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals from the trauma of her puppies' brutal deaths by 
fireworks. Melody, a Labrador mix puppy, was seriously injured in the same 
incident but is expected to recover. 

By day's end today, countless other animals will have suffered similar or 
worse fates. 

But the Fourth of July isn't the only time of year animals must fear. Animal 
neglect and abuse occur daily in America. The details are so horrific most of 
us recoil at them, even try to avoid them. But if we won't learn about this 
abuse -- which often expands to include humans -- how can we stop it? 

A national database that tracks animal abuse, Pet-Abuse.Com, lists 37 recent 
Oklahoma cases. Only a few animal abusers have been convicted, which is not 
unusual. 

The Oklahoma allegations run a sickening gamut: torture using fireworks; 
dogfighting and cockfighting; dog shootings, including one alleged castration with 
a shotgun; chopping off a dog's head with an axe; beheading, skinning and 
dismembering a dog; repeated sodomizing of a dog; kicking a kitten to death. 

Another Web site that tracks violent abuse and deliberate cruelty -- 
animaladvocacy.net -- lists 57 pages of unspeakably heinous acts. Such as the case of 
Tippy, a tabby cat swung by his tail and slammed to the ground. Though he had 
severe head injuries, the kitten was expected to recover. An 8-year-old boy 
reportedly admitted to the act, saying he was "bored." 

Sweetie Poo, a 2-year-old toy poodle, died after being attacked with a 
pick-ax. Thumper, a 7-year-old Manx, died after his eyes were poked out and his body 
cut in half. Prince, a 7-year-old toy poodle, had to be euthanized after he 
was severely injured from being sodomized with a tree branch. 

Lucky was anything but. The 7-week-old kitten was placed on a barbecue grill 
by a cheering crowd. A rescuer eventually grabbed the kitten, burning herself 
in the process, but its injuries were so severe it had to be euthanized. 

Research shows some animal abusers move on to human targets. Some of 
America's best-known killers abused animals, including Patrick Sherrill, who killed 14 
coworkers at an Oklahoma post office before killing himself; Carroll Edward 
Cole, accused of 35 murders and executed for five of them; mass murderer and 
cannibal Jeffrey Dahmer; school killers Kip Kinkel of Oregon and Luke Woodham of 
Mississippi; Columbine High School killers Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold -- 
all reportedly abused animals before preying on humans. 

Most animal abusers don't turn into murderers, but many torment humans in 
other ways. A New Jersey study found that animal abuse occurred in 88 percent of 
families referred for child abuse treatment. Another study found that 57 
percent of battered women said their pets also had been harmed or killed. 

The link is so well documented, childhood animal abuse now is widely accepted 
among treatment professionals as an accurate predictor of later adult 
psychological disturbances. 

Many children who experiment with animal abuse will stop if disciplined and 
taught such behavior is wrong. 

But some will persist because of a deeper problem. These children might be 
victims of abuse themselves who are engaging in "pecking-order battering" -- 
dealing with their own pain by attacking something more vulnerable. 

Many abusers are middle-age men who act out of spite or to seek revenge. The 
pets of ex-lovers and feuding neighbors are common targets. 

There are ways to address this problem. Even ordinary anti-abuse ac tivities 
-- volunteering at a shelter or rescue organization, donating funds, teaching 
proper animal care -- can help. Many anti-cruelty organizations, local 
shelters and rescue groups can provide tips and literature. 

More can be done at the professional level as well. According to the Animal 
Legal Defense Fund, stronger laws, more vigorous prosecutions and tougher 
sentences send the right message. The ALDF can help with model laws and other 
legislative needs, and also will help prosecutors do research and find expert 
witnesses. 

The Humane Society of the United States, through its First Strike Campaign, 
also helps by educating and helping law enforcement and social work agencies, 
educators, legislators and families. 

Psychologists for the Ethical Treatment of Animals have developed treat ment 
programs for both children and adults who abuse animals, and also will make 
available its "Beyond Violence" program, an anti-abuse guide for mental health 
professionals, parents, law enforcement, religious leaders and others. 

But abuse, both human and animal, will be curtailed only if citizens push for 
change by being vigilant. 

Animal abuse should be taken seriously and the public ought to push for the 
right kinds of penalties and treatment. 

Even a small group of people can make a difference. Indeed -- as Margaret 
Mead said -- it's the only thing that ever has. 










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