Veterinarians are often the first professionals to see an abused animal. To protect this animal, it is essential that veterinarians deal effectively with instances of suspected animal maltreatment. Reporting cases of suspected animal abuse to the appropriate authorities is a crucial component of effective intervention. Resources are available to help veterinarians recognize the signs of abuse and understand what may be required of them when reporting a case of suspected abuse (1,2).
Veterinarians are also in a position to act as a sentinel for other kinds of violence. There is overwhelming evidence of a link between animal abuse and human abuse. Many studies have demonstrated that violent offenders frequently have childhood histories of serious and repeated animal cruelty. This abuse of animals often progresses into violence against humans, particularly against family members, such as spouses, children, and elderly persons. Veterinarians may be able to play an important role in breaking the cycle of family violence by recognizing that the human members of an abused animal's family may be at risk for further violence and by reporting such cases to the appropriate authorities. Such authorities can include the police, child welfare organizations, and local humane organizations (humane society, Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals).
Included as an insert with this issue of the The Canadian Veterinary Journal is a useful resource for veterinarians. It gives information about animal abuse and the veterinarian, including a definition and some recognizable signs of abuse, what will be required when reporting suspected cases of abuse, and potential liability. There is a section that can be completed with contact numbers for the veterinarian's local police, child welfare, and humane organizations, which can be posted near the telephone for easy reference. Also included is the CVMA's official position on animal abuse.
The following list of resources provides further information on recognizing and reporting animal abuse and the link between animal and human abuse. Alternatively, for more information, contact the coordinator of the CVMA's Animal Welfare Committee, Ms. Deborah Thiel, by telephone at 613-236-1162, by fax at 613-236-9681, or by e-mail at dthiel@cvma-acmv.org.
(by Deborah Thiel, Coordinator, CVMA Animal Welfare Committee)
Resources
- 1.Olson P. Recognizing and Reporting Animal Abuse — A Veterinarian's Guide. Denver, CO: American Humane Association, 1998.
- 2.Patronek GJ. Tuft's Animal Care and Condition (TACC) scales for assessing body condition, weather and environmental safety, and physical care in dogs. Can Vet J 2000;41:634-635. (Also available at www.tufts.edu/vet/cfa/tacc.html.)
- 3.Ascione F, Arkow P, eds. Child Abuse, Domestic Violence, and Animal Abuse. Lafayette, IN: Purdue University Press, 1999.