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What is the Link?
There is a known relationship between domestic violence, animal abuse, child abuse, and elder abuse often referred to as “The Link.”
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The Southeast Texas Link Coalition strives to research and address this link between human and animal violence by connecting multiple organizations in Animal and Human Services.
Why is this Important?
Nearly 70% of Americans have a pet in the home, and those that do view them as a family member.
Animal cruelty is an indication for other deeper behavioral patterns. It is well documented that individuals who abuse pets or wildlife are more likely to engage in violence against humans, including domestic violence, child abuse and neglect, and elder abuse.
More Homes Have Pets Than Children
• 67.7% of households with children
• 74.6% of households with children
• A child in the US is more likely to grow up with pets than with a father
How Families View Pets
• 98% of Americans call pets companions and family members.
• 90% won’t date someone who isn’t fond of their pet
With the number of pet families growing, “The Link” is becoming more important to our community. Animal cruelty is no longer seen as an isolated incident that can be ignored. It is often an indicator or predictor of crime and a “red flag” warning sign that other family members in the household may not be safe.
Understanding the Signs of Animal Cruelty
Animal Cruelty – either deliberate abuse or simply the failure to take care of an animal.
• Neglect
• Abuse
• Hoarding
• Torture
• Dog Fighting
Texas Animal Cruelty Laws
Section 42.09 “Cruelty to Livestock Animals” and 42.092 “Cruelty of Non-Livestock Animals” of the Texas Penal Code prohibits a person from intentionally, knowingly or recklessly cruelly treating an animal. The following actions define cruel punishment:
• Torturing an animal
• Failing to provide food, care or shelter
• Abandoning an animal
• Transporting or confining an animal in a cruel manner
• Killing, seriously injuring or poisoning an animal
• Causing an animal to fight with another
• Using a live animal as a lure in a dog race
• Tripping a horse
• Injuring an animal belonging to another person
• Seriously overworking an animal
Understanding and reporting animal cruelty can help protect vulnerable pet families and prevent violence against them as well.
Animal Cruelty & Domestic Violence
Offenders can use pets as a form of control over their victim, often causing the survivor to delay fleeing. Through our partnerships with the Southeast Texas Link Coalition, Houston Humane Society offers a safe haven for pet families fleeing from domestic violence so that they may seek safety for themselves.
We offer supportive services such as boarding and medical care during the pets stay. Family members may also be able to visit their pets while they are in safe-keeping. Confidentiality of the pet’s location is highly guarded in order to protect the pets and their family members.
Break the Cycle of Violence
Together, the members of the Southeast Texas Link Coalition strive to connect human and animal service agencies to effectively collaborate to prevent violence.
Your gift helps towards for greater protection of animals, children, domestic violence victims and vulnerable adults.
