Violence does not exist in a vacuum By DorinDa TrouTman, rmr sTaff wriTer
Why should all people care about violence against animals? Because a growing body of research shows that people who commit violence and abuse against animals do not stop there. Animal abuse is aggressive, anti-social behavior that predicts violence against people.
Animal abuse is not an “animal rights issue.” It should be taken seriously because it is a crime, and a crime that can lead to even more violence and cruelty against people. Just like children, animals cannot defend themselves, cannot understand why they are being hurt, and cannot seek outside help. Most abused children and women report that their abusers
A friend and neighbor has placed a memorial for Cooper on his owner’s fence.
The neighbor says that she has moved her own horses off her property.
A memorial for Cooper has been placed by a friend on a fence near where the horse was killed. People can see photos of the horse and leave messages of condolence. If anyone has any information about Cooper’s strangulation,
call Ravalli County Sheriff’s Detective Scott Burlingham at 406-375- 4015.
As of press time, Detective Burlingham says that there is nothing new in the investigation.
were also cruel to pets or livestock. Most serial killers and school shooters have admitted to persistent horrible acts of animal cruelty previous to committing crimes against people. Animal abuse and cruelty is often the most visible part of
a history of aggressive or antisocial behavior. Neighbors and family members can be more comfortable reporting crimes against animals than against people. This can open a dialog that uncovers human-directed violence. Animal cruelty should be viewed as a serious issue by professionals in law enforcement and mental health, as well as the general public. Prosecuting animal abuse has many benefits, including adding a tool to help protect victims at risk of family violence.
When an animal is killed in the brutal manner that
Cooper was, it is a threat — not only against Cooper’s owner and her family — but against anyone else the killer may contact.
RMR
www.rockymountainrider.com
JULY 2013
• ROCKY MOUNTAIN RIDER 15
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