NILANJANAA

Very often, I find myself screaming from the window ? at passers-by kicking dogs, street urchins tugging at the tails of puppies or ?dutiful? watchmen pouring water on cats to drive them away. This is just the tip of the iceberg as compared to some of the heinous crimes that are committed against animals in the city every other day. I still cringe in horror when I recall the gruesome killing of a stray dog (in Sinthee) by 18 and 20-year-olds.

Why does animal abuse find a special mention in my column so often? Because cruel acts towards animals can be signs of worse things to come, often with human victims.

According to PETA, research in psychology and criminology shows that people who commit acts of cruelty to animals often move on to violent acts against their fellow humans.

Animal cruelty or abuse is, ?knowingly depriving an animal of food, water, shelter, socialisation or veterinary care or maliciously torturing, maiming, mutilating, or killing an animal?.

The connection between animal cruelty and human violence:

Many studies in psychology, sociology and criminology during the past 25 years have demonstrated that violent offenders frequently have childhood and adolescent histories of serious and repeated animal cruelty. The FBI has recognised the connection when its analysis of the lives of serial killers suggested that most had killed or tortured animals as children.

A dog in a winter outfit during a fashion show in Moscow. AFP

Why would anyone be cruel to animals:

Animal cruelty, like any other form of violence, is often committed by a person who feels powerless or unnoticed. The motive is to shock, threaten, offend others or just reject society?s rules. Some who are cruel to animals copy things they have seen and others see harming an animal as a way of getting back at animal lovers.

Violence begets violence:

The most disturbing correlation is between cruelty to animals and violence against children. Children raised in violent homes may in turn direct violence at the only individual in the family more vulnerable than themselves: an animal. A World Society for the Protection of Animals study found 75 per cent of violent criminals were abused as children, with many saying that they in turn harmed animals.

What should you do:

Most children naturally feel concern and affection for animals but learn cruelty from society and lose sight of their compassion. If your child has deliberately harmed an animal, try to find out what caused the cruelty. Use real-life situations to instil a sense of respect for animals. Make your child help you feed the birds or rescue an animal. With older children, discuss animal-cruelty cases publicised in the news. Encourage children to speak out for animals.

Compassionate children lead to compassionate adults:

In an effort to break the cycle of violence and instil compassion at an early age, PETA has developed a humane education programme called Compassionate Citizen. The programmes, in print and on video, are free to any school that asks for them. The printed material enhances students? understanding of animals. Contact info@petaindia.org or nnarayan@petaindia.org

Laws:

We need stronger laws to protect animals and stricter punishment for offenders.

Friendly homes needed: Three cats (5, 8, 9 years old, all white). Contact: Angana Ray, 9830836828, 24313452 (after February 18); One dog (four months old,white, female). Contact: Jeena, 9830056992.