Research underlines strong link between animal cruelty and family violence in New Zealand

One in three women surveyed in a recent groundbreaking New Zealand study reported delaying leaving violent relationships because they feared their pets and other animals would be killed or tortured. Of these, one quarter said their children had witnessed violence against animals.

The research was commissioned by the Royal New Zealand Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in partnership with Women’s Refuge. It underlines the strong link between animal cruelty and domestic and family violence in New Zealand. The research also showed that 50% of women interviewed had witnessed animal cruelty as part of their experience of domestic violence. 

The study also found that SPCA staff and police needed to better understand the link between animal cruelty and domestic violence. Likewise, Refuge workers needed more support when women with animals needed to leave violent relationships. The study also suggests a funding programme should be developed to support animals in temporary accommodation, veterinary expenses and transport to this accommodation.

The media release lists other key findings and tips for a woman with a pet thinking of leaving a violent relationhip.

Read the Women's Refuge media release, 27 March 2012

Access Pets as pawns: the co-existence of animal cruelty and family violence

Updated 14/5/2012

Discussion of this issue continues

Read Domestic violence kids take it out on pets Daily Post (Rotorua) 11 May 2012

Read Dark side to nation of top pet lovers, NZ Herald, 30 April 2012Photo credit: istock photo