Why We Need Humane Education: Study Shows Link Between Domestic Violence and Harming Animals

A link between violence against animals and violence against humans has long been suspected, and evidence of the strength of such a link continues to grow. A recent study in the Bahamas identified a link between animal cruelty and domestic violence. Dr. William J. Fielding's study, "A First Look at Harm Toward Animals by Bahamians in Childhood," used an internet survey to gather data investigating childhood harm toward animals in the context of other violent behaviors in the home.
Researchers discovered and/or confirmed several relevant pieces of data, including:

• The homes of children who did not harm animals were less violent than the homes of children who harmed animals.
• Males were more likely to harm animals than females.
• Males were more likely than females to harm sentient animals.
• Stray dogs and cats were the warm-blooded animals reported most mistreated.
• Domestic violence and the presence of a gun in the home were associated with a higher score on the Children and Animals Inventory (CAI).

In a news story about the study, Fielding said, "We found a number of interesting links, such as, violence in the household and the presence of a gun in the household all seemed to be linked with children having a higher risk of harming animals."

Read the complete study.

This report highlights the importance of childhood experiences in shaping our relationship with and treatment of non-human animals, and thus how essential humane education is at even an early age. Although an increasing number of studies show that we're innately wired to be empathetic, if that empathy isn't nurtured through childhood and into adulthood, environments of violence and a society that condones cruelty can overwhelm our empathetic tendencies and affect our behavior and worldview.

If you're a humane educator, or a teacher wanting to integrate humane education into your school, this study is an important piece of evidence you can share exemplifying the necessity of bringing humane education to students.

~ Marsha

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