URBANA, Ill. – Rhonda has no doubt that there is a link between
animal abuse and human abuse. Schulman, a veterinarian at the
University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital, calls the
statistics “frightening,” and suggests that veterinarians should
play a more active role in spotting early warning signs. “Animal
abuse in a home is very likely a sign of an even bigger problem
within that family,” Schulman said. Power trip. In an abusive
situation, the family pet is often used by the abuser as
leverage to control the person being abused. “Threat of harm to
a beloved pet can be a very powerful tool for the abuser,” said
Schulman. “Abuse of the pet is also a way to inflict mental
anguish on the abused.” Many women are reluctant to leave the
abuser for fear that the pet will be harmed. Until recently
there have been few options for abused women with pets. Now
domestic violence shelters have begun to implement ways to
protect not only the women and children but their pets as well.
Impact on children. “Abuse ca