This mural was painted by artist and counselor Vicki Boatright (of BZTat Studios) as part of Okey's Promise, a project dedicated to raising awareness of the link between animal abuse and child abuse. It is on display in Canton, OH.

Pet abuse is disturbing, particularly when it occurs as a purposeful and malicious act. However, pet abuse is not a problem that involves only pets. It is, instead, an issue that affects all of society.

People That Abuse Pets Also Frequently Abuse Other People

The link between pet abuse and other forms of abuse is well-documented but is often not widely recognized.

It is a fact that people that abuse pets are also likely to abuse other people. This may be in the form of spousal abuse, child abuse, abuse of the elderly or other forms of abuse perpetrated on weaker individuals.

It is also a fact that people that abuse animals are more likely to commit violent crimes.

Why Recognizing the Link Between Animal Abuse and Domestic Abuse Is Important

Vicki Boatright is known within the pet community as BZTat. She is a trained counselor and talented artist who is intimately familiar with the issue of abuse.

According to Boatright, “When there is violence to animals, there is likely violence to children and others who may be defenseless.”

Recognizing the link between these forms of abuse opens the door for further investigation and intervention in situations of child abuse, spousal abuse or other forms of abuse which may otherwise go undetected but for knowledge of this link.

Often, recognition that an animal is being abused is the first indication that other people in the household may be at risk as well. Animal control officers may be the first persons of authority to interact with abuse victims. These officers should be trained to look for and recognize signs of abuse and other forms of violence. Social service agencies can then be notified, if appropriate.

The Push for Public Education

Though the link between animal abuse and other forms of violence is now recognized within social service agencies and even law enforcement circles, education of the general public has been slow. Many people remain unaware that a link exists.

Okey’s Promise is a project founded by Boatright with the goal of using artwork to help broaden public awareness of the link between pet abuse and domestic abuse, particularly child abuse. This podcast interview with Boatright examines pet abuse, domestic abuse and the link between the two. Also featured in the interview is Miah Rae Thornton, a 13-year-old animal advocate who has joined Boatright in her project, together with Thornton’s mother, Chloe DiVita.

Children and Abuse

Anthropologist Margaret Mead has said, “One of the most dangerous things that can happen to a child is to kill or torture an animal and get away with it.”

Children that are victims of abuse often become abusers themselves. These children can easily lose their empathy for other creatures. They can also lose the ability to recognize their victim’s pain or become immune to the effects of their actions.

Appropriate intervention in situations of child abuse can help stop this cycle of abuse. However, intervention cannot occur unless the abuse is first noticed and acted upon.