INDIANAPOLIS – There is a widespread and growing attempt nationwide to recognize and deal with the perpetrators of violence against humans. At the same time, there is a growing effort to prevent abuse and neglect of animals. For this reason, Robert Turner, Public Safety Director, and Ann DeLaney, Executive Director of the Julian Center, proclaimed April 18-24, 2004 National Animal Cruelty/Family Violence Awareness Week in Indianapolis.
“How we treat animals has long been recognized as a mirror of how we treat others or ourselves. This proclamation and campaign will help raise the awareness in Indianapolis and surrounding areas as to the connection between animal cruelty and family violence,” said Ann DeLaney.
Evidence shows that animal abuse is frequently embedded in families scarred by domestic violence. “We must take animal cruelty seriously. It’s not only a crime but also a warning of other violence, past, present or future,” said Robert Turner.
Half of the women seeking protection from domestic violence have had a pet threatened, injured or killed as part of their abuse. Animal cruelty is often committed by a person who feels powerless, unnoticed and under the control of others. The motive is often to shock, threaten, intimidate, or offend.
Animal cruelty encompasses a range of behaviors harmful to animals, from neglect to malicious killing. Intentional abuse is knowingly depriving an animal of food, water, shelter, socialization, or veterinary care or maliciously torturing, maiming, mutilating, or killing an animal.
Through National Animal Cruelty/Family Violence Awareness Week, Indianapolis Animal Care & Control, the Julian Center and the Indianapolis Police Department Domestic Violence Unit hopes to educate the community about the importance of reporting and investigating animal abuse and domestic violence, not only for the sake of preventing animal suffering, but in recognition of their importance in the larger picture of family and societal violence.
PROTECTING YOUR PET FROM DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
Information provided by the Humane Society of the United States and Indianapolis Animal Care & Control
How can I protect my pet? When there is violence in the home, it’s very important to have an emergency plan for sheltering your pet, yourself, and your children.
Does my pet need to be current on all vaccinations? Yes. Almost all veterinary clinics, kennels and animal shelters require animals to be vaccinated. If you don’t have a copy of your pet’s vaccination record, the clinic may need to vaccinate your pet again. If you don’t have these records but know your pet is up to date on his vaccinations, ask your veterinarian to send you a copy of the records. Keep vaccination and other veterinary records in a safe place so you can take them with you if you need to leave home in a hurry.
How can I prove that I own my pet? An animal license, proof of vaccinations, or veterinary receipts in your name will help prove you own your pet.
What should I take when I move my pet to safety?
NOTE: Do not use tags that identify the household you are leaving. Also, cat carriers are important. Unconfined cats can easily get scared and escape. If you don’t have a carrier for your cat, a pillowcase can work in an emergency.
Would my pet be better off if I put him up for adoption? Only you can make this decision. Giving up a beloved pet is sad, but it may be best for both of you.