Programs & Campaigns

A Voice for All Animals

Kitten Killing is Sign of More Serious Problems in Kennesaw City Youths

February 20, 2001

Dear Kennesaw City officials,

As staff members of the New England Anti-Vivisection Society (NEAVS), one of the nation’s oldest animal advocacy organizations, we were appalled to learn via the Internet of the horrendous torture, mutilation, and killing of a helpless kitten in your community.

This brutal crime should be thoroughly investigated and the three teenage boys charged with perpetrating this gruesome killing should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

This is not a "prank;" this is callous disregard for a helpless, living being. Surely you must be aware that violence to animals is often predictive of violence to humans.

For example, F. R. Ascione notes that histories of cruelty to animals have been reported in 30% of convicted child molesters; 36% of assaultive women offenders; 46% of incarcerated sexual homicide perpetrators; 48% of convicted rapists; and 58% of adult murderers. (Ascione, 1993, quoted in "Resensitizing Society: Understanding the Connection Between Violence Toward Human and Non-Human Animals" by NEAVS President Theodora Capaldo, EdD, DABPS, DABFE, and NEAVS Advisory Board member Lorin Lindner, PhD, MPH, The Forensic Examiner, July/August, 1999).

Research, statistics and common sense all point to one conclusion: grasping the interconnectedness of human and animal violence is essential to curbing the rise of violence in our society. Violence is violence, whoever the victim.

It is too late to save the life of this young kitten, but it is not too late to save other humans and animals from becoming victims. Nor is it too late to save the victimizers as well. Animal abuse is a red flag. Your community must take appropriate action to break this cycle of violence before further harm is done.

Sincerely,

Theodora Capaldo, Ed.D.
President/Executive Director

For further information, contact NEAVS at: 617-523-6020 or info@neavs.org.