Those Who Hurt Animals May Harm People As Well
posted January 5, 2004

The recent torture and killing of four Jack Russell Terriers in Apison
should be a wake up call. The link between animal abuse and violence towards humans (especially child abuse) is statistically proven by as high as 88% according to some studies.

Those who hurt animals are taking the first step towards being involved in crime and violence directed at humans. This is not just a problem for animal lovers, but affects us all, and typically starts in childhood. Those who do not value the life of a small creature will not
value the life of a human.

So why is it that in Chattanooga we have such a horrible record of giving slaps on the wrist and allowing animal abusers off the hook? The very people who are supposed to keep our city safe and to intervene in the cycle of crime are either ignoring it or do not know any better.

However, ignorance is not a valid excuse. We need to empower our
city with strict laws, enforce those laws, and then punish severely the
abusers who break the laws. I cannot stress enough how important this issue
is, especially as it relates not only to the lives of innocent animals, but
to the children who are being abused as well. Next time you see a child
kicking a dog or being mean to a cat, stop and ask yourself what is going on
in that child's house that makes him/her so violent? Chances are, that child is being hurt at home.

Jennifer Weathers
President Chattanooga Alliance for Animals
Jennifer-Weathers@utc.edu