Readers' letters
- March 27, 2012
Animal abuse often precursor to other crime
As an animal advocate and criminal justice professor, I extend my condolences regarding the Yorkshire terrier beaten to death, allegedly by three teenagers who mistook the dog's owner for a gang member ("Teens accused of killing dog during beating won't be charged as adults," Page B1, March 9). Animal abuse is often a symptom of other issues like domestic violence and should not be minimized. Studies reveal that children who abuse animals are five times more likely to commit violent crimes. Reports of animal abuse can lead to the discovery of other issues so that intervention, especially the use of a mental health assessment program called AniCare, can lead to positive results and prevent unnecessary suffering and death.
Dawna Komorosky
Associate Professor
Department of Criminal Justice Administration
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