Animal Cruelty

Question 1

Animal cruelty can be defined as a ‘socially _____ behaviour that _____ causes unnecessary pain, suffering, distress and/or______ of an animal’ (Ascione & Lockwood, 199_).

Answer 1

Animal cruelty can be defined as a ‘socially UNACCEPTABLE behaviour that INTENTIONALLY causes unnecessary pain, suffering, distress and/or DEATH of an animal’ (Ascione & Lockwood, 1998).

Question 2

Between 2012 and 2013, around ___,000 complaints of animal cruelty were investigated in the UK.

Answer 2

Between 2012 and 2013, around 150,000 complaints of animal cruelty were investigated in the UK.

Question 3

Of the 150,000 complaints of animal cruelty which were investigated in the UK between 2012 and 2013, what percentage resulted in a conviction?

Answer 3

3%

Question 4

In pre-modern society, animals were considered as _____. By contrast, in modern society, there has been a shift towards the view that animals can feel ____ and distress. This shift occurred at the end of the 18th century (1700’s). In turn, this lead to the creation of animal cruelty as a mala in prohibita offence.

Answer 4

In pre-modern society, animals were considered as POSSESSIONS. By contrast, in modern society, there has been a shift towards the view that animals can feel PAIN and distress. This shift occurred at the end of the 18th century (1700’s). In turn, this lead to the creation of animal cruelty as a mala in prohibita offence.

Question 5

In what year did Lord Thomas Eskrine try to impose an animal cruelty law, without success?

Answer 5

In 1809.

Question 6

In what year was an ‘Act for the Prevention of Cruel and Improper Treatment of Cattle’ passed?

Answer 6

1822. The first ever conviction under this act was for abusing a donkey.

Question 7

2 years after the cattle Act, in 1824, Richard Martin founded a body for the protection of animals called what?

Answer 7

Society for the Protection against Cruelty to Animals (SPCA). This became known as the RSPCA in 1840, 16 years later.

Question 8

In 1835, the ____ Act was passed, which extended animal protection from cattle to ___ animals as well. Conviction under this Act resulted in a monetary fine and/or imprisonment.

Answer 8

In 1835, the PEASES Act was passed, which extended animal protection from cattle to DOMESTIC animals as well. Conviction under this Act resulted in a monetary fine and/or imprisonment.

Question 9

In 1840, Queen Victoria endorsed the SPCA, to the society became known as the what?

Answer 9

RSPCA.

Question 10

In _____, the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act was passed.

Answer 10

In 1849, the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act was passed.

Question 11

What 2 key additions did the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act (1849) make?

Answer 11

1. P no longer need to establish that D acted cruelly
2. Liability for cruelty towards an animal can be extended beyond those who physically committed the cruelty. For example, those who gamble at dog fights can now be criminally liable for the cruelty towards dogs, not just the individuals who were ‘front lining’ the cruelty.

Question 12

In ____, there was an amendment to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act: Scientists are not allowed to dissect live animals unless they can prove that their research would either advance physiological knowledge or prolong/save _____.

Answer 12

In 1876 (think: scientists get 76), there was an amendment to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act: Scientists are not allowed to dissect live animals unless they can prove that their research would either advance physiological knowledge or prolong/save LIFE.

Question 13

In _____, the Wild Animals in Captivity Act was passed. This was intended to put protections in place for wild animals being raised in captivity, such as circus animals.

Answer 13

In 1900, the Wild Animals in Captivity Act was passed. This was intended to put protections in place for wild animals being raised in captivity, such as circus animals

Question 14

In ____, the Protection of Animals Act was passed. This imposed 4 key things:

1. AC can result in a maximum fine of £x
2. AC can result in a maximum prison sentence of y months
3. AC can result in a sentence which involves both a ____ and a ____ ____
4. __ must pay the prosecution costs

Answer 14

In 1911, the Protection of Animals Act was passed. This imposed 4 key things:

1. AC can result in a maximum fine of £5,000
2. AC can result in a maximum prison sentence of 6 months
3. AC can result in a sentence which involves both a fine and a prison sentence
4. D must pay the prosecution costs

Question 15

Are animal cruelty offences mala in se or mala in prohibita? Why?

Answer 15

Animal cruelty offences are mala in prohibita offences. This is because animal cruelty does not necessarily pose immediate threat to human life. Additionally, animal cruelty has not always been considered as morally wrong- historically, animals have been treated as possessions who cannot feel pain or distress.

Question 16

The class divide and animal cruelty:
There is arguably more of a stigma attached to working class animal sports such as dog \_\_\_\_ and bull \_\_\_\_. By contrast, more upper class sports such as \_\_\_ shooting and fishing are not viewed as being so bad.

Answer 16

The class divide and animal cruelty:
There is arguably more of a stigma attached to working class animal sports such as dog FIGHTING and bull FIGHTING. By contrast, more upper class sports such as \_\_\_ shooting and fishing are not viewed as being so bad.

Question 17

Animal cruelty and gender:
There are stark gender difference when it comes to animal cruelty. For every 1 female offender there are x male offenders.

Answer 17

10!

Question 18

Which age range are most likely to behave cruelly towards animals?

Answer 18

18-30.

Question 19

Experience:
Individuals who have either witness violence between family OR witnessed animal cruelty at some point are how many times more likely to behave cruelly towards an animal?

Answer 19

3!

Question 20

Childhood:

There is a _____ correlation between experiencing abuse during childhood and engaging in animal cruelty.

Answer 20

There is a POSITIVE correlation between experiencing abuse during childhood and engaging in animal cruelty.

Question 21

Animal abusers may have a tendency to ____ aggression.

Answer 21

Animal abusers may have a tendency to DISPLACE aggression.

Question 22

Animal abusers may have a tendency to engage in cognitive errors, such as the ____ attribution bias, or ____ disengagement strategies.

Answer 22

Animal abusers may have a tendency to engage in cognitive errors, such as the HOSTILE attribution bias, or MORAL disengagement strategies.

Question 23

Animal abusers may have a poor ability to regulate _____ and may be less able to ____, leading them to abuse the animals without feeling a sense of guilt or remorse.

Answer 23

Animal abusers may have a poor ability to regulate EMOTIONS and may be less able to EMPATHISE, leading them to abuse the animals without feeling a sense of guilt or remorse.

Question 24

Kellert and ____ (1985) proposed there are x motivations which may lead to animal cruelty.

Answer 24

Kellert and FELTHOUS (1985) proposed there are 9 motivations which may lead to animal cruelty.

Question 25

One study by Baldry et al found a significant positive correlation between watching someone commit cruelty towards an animal and being cruel towards an animal yourself. Which theoretical explanation of animal cruelty does this support?

Answer 25

Social Learning Theory.

Question 26

Another theoretical explanation of animal cruelty argues that children who are exposed to animal cruelty during childhood are more likely to become violent offenders during adulthood. That is, learning to be cruel to animals comes first, which then lead an individual on to learning how to be violent generally. What is the name of this Theory?

Answer 26

The Violence Graduation Hypothesis.

Question 27

According to the Deviance ____ hypothesis, violence begets violence. That is, animal cruelty does not come first and violence second, rather, animal cruelty and violence are concurrent. Support for the Deviance _____ hypothesis comes from Simons and Lehmann, who found that individuals who engaged in pet abuse were more likely to engage in ____ abuse, marital rape, emotional violence and _____.

Answer 27

According to the Deviance GENERALISATION hypothesis, violence begets violence. That is, animal cruelty does not come first and violence second, rather, animal cruelty and violence are concurrent. Support for the Deviance GENERALISATION hypothesis comes from Simons and Lehmann, who found that individuals who engaged in pet abuse were more likely to engage in SEXUAL abuse, marital rape, emotional violence and STALKING.

Question 28

Animal cruelty is a method used by perpetrators of intimate partner violence (IPV) to gain ____ control over their partner (Adams 1994; Abrams, 2007). Research shows that indeed, abusing an animal in front of a female partner is ‘effective’ way of achieving ____ control. For example, Ganley (___), found that for females, witnessing animal cruelty can have the same psychological impact as if she herself were being abused.

Answer 28

Animal cruelty is a method used by perpetrators of intimate partner violence (IPV) to gain COERCIVE control over their partner (Adams 1994; Abrams, 2007). Research shows that indeed, abusing an animal in front of a female partner is ‘effective’ way of achieving COERCIVE control. For example, Ganley (1985), found that for females, witnessing animal cruelty can have the same psychological impact as if she herself were being abused.

Question 29

Flynn (2000) found that abused females were more likely to report their pet as being ‘very important’ if their pet, too, had experienced ____. This suggests that abused women view abused pets as a source of emotional support; almost mutual understanding.

Answer 29

Flynn (2000) found that abused females were more likely to report their pet as being ‘very important’ if their pet, too, had experienced ABUSE. This suggests that abused women view abused pets as a source of emotional support; almost mutual understanding.

Question 30

____ (1995) listed 9 reasons why perpetrators of domestic violence may abuse their animals.

Answer 30

Adams (1995) listed 9 reasons why perpetrators of domestic violence may abuse their animals.

Question 31

In 1980, _____ listed x types of public attitude towards animal cruelty.

Answer 31

In 1980, Kellert listed 10 types of public attitude towards animal cruelty. They are:

1. Naturalistic
2. Ecologistic
3. Moralistic
4. Scientistic
5. Aesthetic
6. Humanistic
7. Utilitarian
8. Dominionistic
9. Negativistic
10. Neutralistic

Question 32

Which 3 moral disengagement strategies are perpetrators of animal cruelty most likely to use?

Answer 32

1. Moral justification (fulfills socially worthy purpose)
2. Euphemistic language
3. Dehumanisation

Question 33

We can measure attitudes towards animal abuse using ____ scales. These scales vividly describe a scenario involving animal abuse and ask the participants imagine themselves as the perpetrator. Next, participants are asked to rate the extent to which they believe themselves _____ of carrying out the scenario described. Second, participants are asked whether engaging in the cruel act made them feel _____. Third, participants are asked whether they would have enjoyed watching someone else’s reaction.

Answer 33

We can measure attitudes towards animal abuse using PROCLIVITY scales. These scales vividly describe a scenario involving animal abuse and ask the participants imagine themselves as the perpetrator. Next, participants are asked to rate the extent to which they believe themselves CAPABLE of carrying out the scenario described. Second, participants are asked whether engaging in the cruel act made them feel POWERFUL. Third, participants are asked whether they would have enjoyed watching someone else’s reaction.

Question 34

According to Vollum et al (2004), the public think that animal cruelty is deserving of ____ punishment.

Answer 34

According to Vollum et al (2004), the public think that animal cruelty is deserving of SEVERE punishment.

Question 35

Much research into animal cruelty has investigated whether animal cruelty predicts violence towards _____.

Answer 35

Much research into animal cruelty has investigated whether animal cruelty predicts violence towards HUMANS.

Question 36

Vollum et al (2004) argue that research has ____ to adequately explain what makes people cruel towards animals.

Answer 36

Vollum et al (2004) argue that research has FAILED to adequately explain what makes people cruel towards animals.

Question 37

A utilitarian attitude towards animals can be characterised by a primary concern for the _____ and material value of animals.

Answer 37

A utilitarian attitude towards animals can be characterised by a primary concern for the MATERIAL and material value of animals.

Hint: Utilitarianist attitudes–> see animals as a UTILITY

Question 38

A dominionistic attitude towards animals is characterised by a desire for ____ and control over animals.

Answer 38

A dominionistic attitude towards animals is characterised by a desire for MASTERY and control over animals.

Hint: Dominionistic–> dominating

Question 39

Farmers see more useful animals are more ____, whereas animal rights activists show higher levels of empathy and identification with ____ useful animals compared to ____ useful animals.

Answer 39

Farmers see more useful animals are more VALUABLE, whereas animal rights activists show higher levels of empathy and identification with LESS useful animals compared to MORE useful animals.

Question 40

Kellert’s findings on public attitudes towards animals suggest that Americans are _____ split in terms of negative vs. positive attitudes towards animals.

Answer 40

Kellert’s findings on public attitudes towards animals suggest that Americans are EVENLY split in terms of negative vs. positive attitudes towards animals.

Question 41

Women and political _____ are more likely to oppose animal research whereas men, political conservatives and religious fundamentalists are more likely to ____ it (Broida et al). Moreover, countries which are more urbanised and more industrialised exhibit _____ support for animal experimentation.

Answer 41

Women and political LIBERALS are more likely to oppose animal research whereas men, political conservatives and religious fundamentalists are more likely to SUPPORT it (Broida et al). Moreover, countries which are more urbanised and more industrialised exhibit MORE support for animal experimentation.

Question 42

People show concern for animal welfare, but that concern _____ as the animal’s utility for humans _____.

Answer 42

People show concern for animal welfare, but that concern DECREASES as the animal’s utility for humans INCREASES.

Question 43

Poachers frequently used two moral disengagement strategies:

1. Denial or responsibility (similar to Bandura’s what?)
2. Defence of necessity (similar to Bandura’s what?)

Answer 43

Poachers frequently used two moral disengagement strategies:

1. Denial or responsibility (similar to Bandura’s displacement/diffusion of responsibility)
2. Defence of necessity (similar to Bandura’s moral jusitifcation)

Question 44

Women want to punish animal abusers _____ harshly than men do.

Answer 44

Women want to punish animal abusers MORE harshly than men do.

Question 45

Pet-owners want to punish animal abusers ____ harshly than non-pet owners.

Answer 45

Pet-owners want to punish animal abusers MORE harshly than non-pet owners.

Question 46

Vollum et al (2004) concluded their study by stating that the public is ___ concerned about animal cruelty and consider it to be a problem worthy of criminal justice and ____ attention.

Answer 46

Vollum et al (2004) concluded their study by stating that the public is RELATIVELY concerned about animal cruelty and consider it to be a problem worthy of criminal justice and LEGAL attention.

Question 47

Those who used moral disengagement strategies in relation to animals were ____ concerned about violence towards animals and less ____ (punishing) in their attitudes towards such acts. Further, moral disengagement strategies accounted for a substantial proportion of variation in attitudes towards animal cruelty.

Answer 47

Those who used moral disengagement strategies in relation to animals were LESS concerned about violence towards animals and less PUNITIVE (punishing) in their attitudes towards such acts. Further, moral disengagement strategies accounted for a substantial proportion of variation in attitudes towards animal cruelty.

Question 48

In the study by Vollum et al (2004), dehumanisation and ____ attitudes were the strongest predictors of concern both about animal cruelty and punitiveness towards those who commit animal cruelty.

Answer 48

In the study by Vollum et al (2004), dehumanisation and PROPERTY attitudes were the strongest predictors of concern both about animal cruelty and punitiveness towards those who commit animal cruelty.

Question 49

A surprising finding of the study by Vollum et al (2004) is that the authors cannot explain why some methods of moral disengagement are more predictive of attitudes towards animal cruelty than others.

Answer 49

Hmmmm!