Violence toward people and animals often related
The case of the Ypsilanti man charged with choking his girlfriend and severely beating a puppy is an all-too-common example of how violence toward people and animals are related (“Ypsilanti man charged with beating puppy with tire iron,” Sept. 1). As a psychologist whose organization deals directly with this type of antisocial behavior, I know that people who commit these crimes need more than just incarceration or anger-management classes: they need specialized treatment and counseling to get to the root of their behavior.
If convicted, Mr. Rutley should be ordered to complete a program called AniCare, the only specialized treatment program for animal abusers. It is designed to prevent further violence toward either animals or people. Domestic violence often occurs in the same households as animal abuse, and harming a partner’s pet is a frequent form of intimidation. The entire situation should be addressed in order to help safeguard individuals as well as the rest of the community. Sincerely, Kenneth Shapiro Executive Director Animals & Society Institute Ann Arbor
Comments
barks74
Sat, Sep 5, 2009 : 8:57 p.m.
Animal abuse and domestic violence should be investigated! A former probation officer in ann ann arbor is being charged with animal torture. A dead horse was found in his driveway and animals were starving....
Matt Van Auker
Sat, Sep 5, 2009 : 11:12 a.m.
Mr. Shapiro: I cannot begin to thank you enough. By the way, where is the guy going to be arrainged. I may decide to attend. Matt Van Auker