animal abuse and interpersonal violence

Question 1

why is animal abuse a public health issue

Answer 1

• animal abuse often co-occurs with other forms of interperosnal or family violence
• these interspecies connections are referred to as the link

Question 2

examples of public health issues

Answer 2

• domestic partner & child abusers may kill, harm or threaten animals to exert control over their victims
• concern for a pet’s safety may prevent human abuse victims from speaking ot or fleeing an abusive situation
• animal abuse by children is a potential indicator of (antisocial behavior, gang involvment, peer pressure/bullying, physical abuse)
• children exposed to animal abuse can become desensitized to violence leading to higher risk of interpersonal violence as adolescants/adults
• senior citizens may be unable to adequately care for the pets of may neglect themselves to care for their animals
• attachment to their pets may make senior citizens vulnerable to exploitation
• senior citizens are at higher risk of animal collecting/hoarding behaviors

Question 3

what is the significance of The Link

Answer 3

awareness of these interspecies associations creates opportunities for:
* cross-training & cross-reporting between animal & human welfare agencies
* improved detection of animals & humans at risk
* increased legislative, judicial, & law enforcement support

Question 4

definition of abuse

Answer 4

any maltreatment of an animal, regardless of intent

Question 5

definition of neglect

Answer 5

failute to provode an animal with the basic necessities of life

Question 6

definition of cruelty

Answer 6

any behavior that causes pain, suffering, or distress to an animal

Question 7

DOJ

animal cruelty defined as:

Answer 7

intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly taking an action that mistreats or kills any animal without just cause, such as torturing, tormenting,m mutilation, maiming, poisoning, or abandonment

Question 8

DOJ

simple/gross neglect

Answer 8

failure to provide for the needs of an animal

Question 9

DOJ

intentional abuse & torture

Answer 9

intentional act of harming an animal

Question 10

DOJ

organized abuse

Answer 10

blood sports

Question 11

DOJ

animal sexual abuse

Answer 11

any abusive act with an animal involving the rectum, anus, or genitalia

Question 12

how do vets become involved in legal cases

Answer 12

• routine clinical practice
• approached by law enforcement to assist with an investiagtion

Question 13

animal abuse is a ____, not a ____ determination

Answer 13

legal, medical

Question 14

how to recognize possible animal abuse

Answer 14

• firts step to disgnosing abuse is forcing yourself to consider it in the first place
• recognizing abuse is not always easy

Question 15

signs of possible abuse

Answer 15

often a combination of factors that raise your index suspision
* historical factors
* client factors
* animal factors

Question 16

what to do if you suspect abuse

Answer 16

• **evidence is needed **
• medical records must be legible, accurate, & complete (identify the patient, record hx, document your findings & clinical reasoning)

Question 17

how to document abuse

Answer 17

• all medical contacts with the animal should be documented with date, time, and personnel present
• photographs & video recordings of the animal (overall photos, mid-range and close-up photos, photos to document changes over time)
• a written summary report

Question 18

deciding how to proceed

Answer 18

• assess the risk to the animal, client, others in house and staff
• consultation with colleagues
• determine of education, monitoring, or reporting would be appropriate
• in severe/high-risk cases, or cases where client education has failed, authorities should be notified

Question 19

are vets required to report suspected abuse?

Answer 19

• legal requirements vary by jurisdiction
• mandatory
• voluntary

Question 20

are vets required to report suspected abuse

Answer 20

vets are the natural advocates for animals in society & thus have an ethical obligation to report suspected abuse

Question 21

how do you report suspected abuse

Answer 21

investigating agencies vary by jurisdiction
* law enforcement
* animal control
* department of agriculture
* nonprofit

Question 22

what happens when you make a report

Answer 22

• the agency will investigate the complaint & determine appropriate action
• your identify as the reporter will likely be disclosed
• if the case goes to trial, you may be called to testify as a fact witness and/or expert witness

Question 23

what is the vet’s role in the legal process

Answer 23

• vet is usually qualified as an expert witness
• the vet’s duty is to the court
• it is not the vet’s duty to determine guilt or innocence

Question 24

what to expect if you’re called to testify

Answer 24

preparing for court
* the attorney retaining your services should prep you
* most of your testimony will be based on your records
* prepare for questions based on applicable animal cruelty laws
* anticipate areas of weakness
* dress profesionally

remain calm and impartial