Animal and Child Abuse: The Link of Violence

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| Print | By Jo Singer | October 19, 2009 3:57 PM

While visiting the American Humane's web page the other day, I found an item that so clearly demonstrated the importance that pets can play in our lives, that I was compelled to share the story in case our readers had not seen it.

Since I have often written about the growing number of incidents of animal cruelty and talked about how child abuse is so frequently linked with cruelty to animals, I felt that this article clearly demonstrates this frightening connection. We are all aware of the fact that so many of these crimes are committed by youngsters who have been abused themselves and whose behavior, if not detected, punished and appropriate treatment provided, will go on to continue their heinous crimes of torture often " graduating" to abusing people.

Oreo
According to the article I read, a 9-year-old girl was sexually abused by her stepfather. When the little girl talked with the prosecuting attorney she told him that there was a witness, and "someone else" knew about it, but he was unable to "talk". Her adored pet cat, Oreo, was the "someone else" to whom she was referring. She went on to tell the attorney that each night, her brave kitty would remain outside her door and hiss at the attacker when he appeared. And while Oreo was trying to protect the little girl, Oreo also became a target for abuse when her step-father brutally kicked him away from the door to gain access to her room.

After listening to the little girl's story, the prosecutor was inspired with a fantastic idea. A veterinarian was called in to examine Oreo, and it was discovered that Oreo had sustained injuries which were consistent to being physically abused. The veterinarians report was entered into evidence and shared with the jury, to demonstrate that violent behavior was in fact, occurring in the home. This evidence gave strong credibility to the little girl's assertions. And while Oreo could not "speak", his injuries spoke volumes in support of her allegations and that she was being honest.

Due to the strength of the evidence presented in this case, the little girl's stepfather was found guilty and sentenced to an extensive prison term. Both the little girl and her very loyal and courageous kitty were finally able to feel safe in their home, which all humans and animals clearly deserve.

You can read more about American Humane and the link between animal abuse and child abuse by visiting the American Humane webpage http://www.americanhumane.org/human-animal-bond/programs/the-link-of-violence/

RELATED TOPICS: Abuse (24) , Blogs (262) , Cruelty (23)

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Margie October 19, 2009 4:46 PM

What a fantasically brave and loyal little cat. The fact that an abused animal finally confirmed what a monster this man was AND that this fact was allowed in court is wonderful. GLOWs for both Oreo and his human to overcome their pain and terror and that it never happens to either one of them again. May that disgusting piece of human garbage find out what those two went through every single "night" and that he not get a parole ever.

Vicki October 19, 2009 4:48 PM

Whatever his sentence was, it isn't enough. Crimes such as this too often get a slap on the wrist unless it is heavily prosecuted. I hope this is not the case for this incident.

Yay for Oreo! October 19, 2009 5:11 PM

Hopefully Oreo is living the good life with a catnip hooka and all the wet food he can eat now.

Rani October 19, 2009 5:14 PM

That little girl was fantastically brave, too. I hope that child (and her mother) got therapy, because it's a known fact that abuse breeds abuse, over the generations, and children who were abused often grow up to first abuse animals and then become abusers of people. I hope this little girl and her cat are finally in a safe and loving home.

jmuhj October 19, 2009 5:16 PM

Prayers for the hero-survivor Oreo and his best human friend. My beloved cats have shown this same kind of unconditional love, loyalty and bravery. When a cat bonds to a human, it goes deep, and is true. You couldn't ever find a better friend than a cat.

And for the criminal and all like him, as I always state, I favor the death penalty. To wilfully hurt a cat is a line that, once crossed, negates redemption, IMO.

Timmyfan October 19, 2009 6:22 PM

Hm, I like this cat. That's the first time I've ever heard of a cat sacrificing it's self for it's loved one.

anonymous October 19, 2009 8:41 PM

this story is too close to home for me. my ex killed most of my cats -- to get even with me for leaving him because i no longer wanted to put up with his abuse.

long live oreo! such a brave boy.

Amy October 20, 2009 5:31 AM

More and more animals are being recognized as potential witnesses. They have helped with many cases that would have gone unsolved. Just more proof how valuable they are. They give unconditional love.

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