Is Abusing Animals A Warning Sign For Events To Come? Experts Think So.
Will child neglect and abuse defense attorneys in Michigan find themselves dealing with allegations of the crime of animal cruelty? Some released studies maintain that those who abuse or violently treat animals are at high risk for exhibiting the same behavior towards people, namely children.
A Mid-Atlantic study was released in 1997 – - the first of its kind examining the link between animal abuse and crime, including child abuse. According to results reported, 70 percent of people who treat animals violently are also cited for other criminal activity, as well as five times more likely to exhibit aggressive behavior towards people. Take the examples of Albert DeSalvo, the “Boston Strangler,” or serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer for instance–before committing murder and other violent crimes, both men were known to abuse animals in their younger years.
Besides the statistics presented, expert psychologists regard animal abuse as “violence against the helpless,” directly connecting cruelty towards animals to interpersonal violence. Those who live in chaotic homes or were abused as children are likely to view the animal as a means of regaining personal control, ultimately taking the violence inflicted on them back out on their pet.
In recent years, the connection between animal cruelty and criminal activity including child abuse, has been examined by the Federal Bureau of Investigation as well as many state legislatures. In a number of states, proposals were passed that require the cross-reporting of child abuse and animal cruelty cases to both the Department of Family Services and the Department of Agriculture, which oversees pet shelters.
Michigan has already firmly established the rule of law that evidence of how a parent treated one child in the past can be used in a trial involving a different child. It may be the next logical step for the courts and the legislature to create rules allowing testimony about prior animal cruelty in child abuse cases.
In Michigan, child abuse can be charged in a criminal case with severe penalties such as prison time. It can also be addressed in the context of a civil neglect/ abuse case resulting in the loss of parental rights. If a person is facing either type of case, or involved in a CPS investigation, an experienced child abuse & neglect defense attorney in Michigan should be consulted immediately. Knowledgeable counsel will be able to provide the legal advice and legal representation needed to protect your rights and keep your family together.
About the Author
Since 1998, the child neglect abuse attorneys at Kronzek & Cronkright have provided the best legal advice and legal representation for people accused of child abuse & neglect in Michigan.
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