Last week the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) held a conference to discuss evidence of links between animal cruelty and child abuse.
American research suggests that animal abuse, perpetrated or witnessed by children, can evolve into a desensitisation to violence and acts of violence in adulthood, and that it can also be a predictor or indication of domestic violence or child abuse.
Although there has not been much research into the subject in Britain, compared to the United States, the RSPCA said a report published 20 years ago suggested a link between child abuse and the abuse of animals, noting that 82 per cent of 23 families it investigated for animal abuse or neglect were also known to local social services as having children on their 'at risk' registers.
Extensive American research also pointed towards the mistreatment of animals as being an indicator of child abuse and domestic violence in families, the charity added. It said, 'Children and animals share common characteristics. Because of their vulnerability, they can become targets of abuse, whether it's to exert control, to bully them or in retaliation for the destruction of property or disobedience.'
The conference, 'Making the Links', brought together health, veterinary, police, social work and domestic violence professionals to hear speakers, including Chris Laurence, director of veterinary services for the RSPCA, and Dr Camille de San Lazaro OBE, consultant paediatrician at the Newcastle Health Trust. Workshops covered topics such as the impact of animal abuse on child development; links between domestic violence and animal abuse; and working with young abusers.
Mary Marsh, NSPCC director and chief executive, said, 'Maltreatment of animals in a family can sound a warning bell that children are also at risk. We need to recognise the cruelty connection.'
RSPCA general director Peter Davies added: 'Violence towards children and animals is an attitude that needs to be tackled by a multi-agency approach.'
An RSPCA spokeswoman said, 'Topics addressed will help vets recognise signs of abuse in animals, such as a beating instead of being in a road accident.'
Both charities said they would 'carefully consider' the issues raised before deciding on any future strategies. They would also put expertise gained from the conference towards informing and shaping future policy and practice in child and animal protection.
