Human Abuse Linked To Cruelty To Animals - PETA

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Violent acts toward animals have long been recognized as indicators of a dangerous psychopathy that does not confine itself to animal abuse. “Anyone who has accustomed himself to regard the life of any living creature as worthless is in danger of arriving also at the idea of worthless human lives,” wrote humanitarian Dr. Albert Schweitzer. And according to Robert K. Ressler, who developed profiles of serial killers for the FBI, “Murderers … very often start out by killing and torturing animals as kids.”

Animal abuse is not just the result of a minor personality flaw in the abuser—it is a symptom of a deep mental disturbance. Research in psychology and criminology shows that people who commit acts of cruelty toward animals rarely stop there; many of them move on to their fellow humans.

The FBI has found that a history of cruelty to animals is one of the traits that regularly appear in its computer records of serial rapists and murderers. The standard diagnostic and treatment manual for psychiatric and emotional disorders lists cruelty to animals as a diagnostic criterion for conduct disorders.

A study conducted by Northeastern University and the Massachusetts SPCA found that people who abuse animals are five times more likely to commit violent crimes against humans. 

Urgent Alerts Victory! Harper County Board of Commissioners Rejected Application to Keep and Bleed Dogs Victory Victory! Harper County Board of Commissioners Rejected Application to Keep and Bleed Dogs

Urge the Harper County Board of Commissioners to protect dogs from being caged and bled their entire lives by voting “no” on Wilson’s request.

Take Action Toggle Share Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn UPDATE! Horses Reportedly Suffering in Van Buren County, AR Update UPDATE! Horses Reportedly Suffering in Van Buren County, AR

Please politely urge Van Buren County officials to mandate immediate veterinary care for these horses.

Take Action Toggle Share Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Urge FIFA to Help Stop the Slaughter of Cats and Dogs in Morocco! Urge FIFA to Help Stop the Slaughter of Cats and Dogs in Morocco!

In addition to appeals to government authorities, PETA has written to FIFA, asking it not to stand by silently while this devastating extermination occurs on its behalf. Join us and send FIFA a message now!

Take Action Toggle Share Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Update: Urge Clinton County Officials to Hold a Public Hearing for Dog Tethering Law Update Update: Urge Clinton County Officials to Hold a Public Hearing for Dog Tethering Law

Ask your local legislator to vote in support of a public hearing for the proposed local law regulating the outdoor restraint of dogs in Clinton County.

Take Action Toggle Share Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Chained Dogs in Ardmore, Oklahoma, Need Your Help! Chained Dogs in Ardmore, Oklahoma, Need Your Help!

Please politely urge officials to intervene for these dogs immediately.

Take Action Toggle Share Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn URGENT: Speak Up for Dogs Apparently Abused by Workers at the Clayton County, Georgia, Animal Shelter! URGENT: Speak Up for Dogs Apparently Abused by Workers at the Clayton County, Georgia, Animal Shelter!

Please contact elected officials today and demand that they remove the workers shown on video abusing animals at the publicly funded shelter.

Take Action Toggle Share Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn See them all The first World Day for Laboratory Animals protest in the U.S., 1980 PETA’s Milestones for Animals: 1980 to Now See them all Join PETA's Text List Get PETA Updates Thank you for joining PETA's text list Join Thousands of Supporters

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In This Section Cruel Practices Human Abuse Linked to Cruelty to Animals What to Do if You Spot Cruelty Cruelty to Animals and Family Violence Resource for Prosecutors: The Link Chaining Dogs Hoarding Prong and Shock Collars and Electric ("Invisible") Fences Crating Dogs Ear-Cropping and Tail-Docking Debarking Dogs in Hot Cars and on Hot Pavement 'Outdoor' Cats Feather Clipping: Unnecessary and Unkind Is It Cruel to Keep Fish in Tanks? Here Are the Startling Facts Betta Fish Veterinary Malpractice and Grooming Accidents Declawing Cats: Manicure or Mutilation? There Is No Such Thing as a 'Cage Bird' Companion Animal Overpopulation Animal Shelters The Pet Trade Animal Companion Factsheets Animal Law Search: Tethering, Chaining, and Spay/Neuter Mandates JOIN US Get urgent alerts, breaking animals rights news, and easy ways to take action for animals! PETA bunny URLThis field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.At least one of the following fields is required.MobileThis field is hidden when viewing the form By clicking, you agree to receive automated texts and calls from PETA and accept our terms and conditions. Message and data rates may apply. U.S. mobile users only. You can opt-out anytime. Email This field is hidden when viewing the formUntitled Sign me up for PETA E-News

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“Almost all of us grew up eating meat, wearing leather, and going to circuses and zoos. We never considered the impact of these actions on the animals involved. For whatever reason, you are now asking the question: Why should animals have rights?”

— Ingrid Newkirk, PETA Founder and co-author of Animalkind

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