Animal cruelty in violent families to be studied

File photo / NZH

The case of a man who twisted the head off a kitten in front of his kids is not an isolated one, and the SPCA says hurting family pets can be used by violent partners to intimidate families.

Victoria University's Crime and Justice Research Centre will work with the SPCA and Women's Refuge on a year-long study into the links between family violence and cruelty to animals.

Victims of family violence will be asked whether animals were harmed or killed in their household, or if anxiety over the safety of pets stopped them leaving an abusive relationship.

"Both family violence and animal abuse happen behind closed doors, where people can't see it and are often frightened to report it. Animals can be straight victims of violence or used to threaten or punish the family, which is a form of psychological violence," SPCA chief executive Robyn Kippenberger said.

The conviction of an Auckland man last year for twisting the head off a kitten in front of his former partner and her children was not an isolated case, she said.

"It can be a real double whammy when someone's animal is hurt by a violent partner. Not only do they feel harmed, they also feel they've failed in their responsibility to protect the animals."

United States research shows that pets were 15 times more likely to be hurt or killed where there was domestic violence. Other studies showed people who hurt animals were more likely to hurt people.

There was no organised mechanism to care for pets of victims of domestic violence as some women's refuges could take animals and some could not.

"Dedicated emergency shelters aren't the best option for animals because partners can turn up there and demand the animal back," Ms Kippenberger said.

Research findings would be used to support a request for government funding to provide for families with animals at risk.

- NZPA