Domestic Violence and Cruelty to Animals

Abusers often threaten, injure or kill pets as a way of controlling others in the family.
Numerous studies from across the country have found an undeniable link between domestic violence, child abuse and animal cruelty.

• A 1997 study of the 50 largest battered women shelters in the U.S., including the District of Columbia, found that 85% of women and 63% of children entering the shelter reported incidents of pet abuse in the family.†
• More than 83% of those 50 shelters have observed the coexistence of domestic violence and animal cruelty, but only 27% include questions relating to pet abuse in their intake interviews.††
• In a Utah safehouse, 71% of women stated that their abusers had also threatened, harmed or killed a family pet, and 20% had delayed leaving an abusive situation out of fear for their pet’s safety. †††

In case after case, women who are victims of domestic violence are overwhelmingly reporting that their pets have also been threatened, harmed or killed by their abuser. Domestic violence victims concerned about the safety of their animals can call the Washington Humane Society 24/7 for help. WHS is a resource for victims, human service agencies, and any one else concerned about the safety of an animal in the District of Columbia.

According to District of Columbia law, domestic violence is a criminal offense that occurs when:

(A) two people are related by blood, legal custody, marriage, having a child in common, or sharing or having shared a mutual residence; or

(B) two people maintain a romantic relationship, not necessarily including a sexual relationship.

A person seeking a protective order must either live in the District of Columbia, OR have had at least one offense occur in DC.
In D.C., animal cruelty is defined by a wide range of offenses — from failure to provide food or adequate shelter, to physical abuse resulting in death. Animal cruelty can be a felony offense, carrying a sentence of up to five years in prison and/or $25,000 in fines. The Washington Humane Society has jurisdiction to investigate all reported cases of animal cruelty in the District of Columbia and seize the animal if necessary.

The violence must stop. We can help.
Please call the Washington Humane Society
202-BE HUMANE (234-8626)

Important Contacts
Victim Specific Information
Helping a Victim of Domestic Violence
The Story of Reds
An Angel in Distress

† “Animal Cruelty and Domestic Violence: Making the Connection,” First Strike Campaign, The Humane Society of the United States.
†† “Animal Cruelty and Domestic Violence: Making the Connection,” First Strike Campaign, The Humane Society of the United States.
††† “Safe Haven for Pets,” Frank R. Ascione, Ph.D., Utah State University