Letter to the editor: Law should take into account link between animal, child abuse

OPINION:

I recently posed a question on social media: “Do you think someone who abuses animals is also likely to abuse a child?”

Within three days, my poll had received 34 yes votes and zero no votes.

The responses were powerful. One individual noted that “anyone who could hurt an animal could, and probably would, hurt a human of any age.” A retired paramedic from the Los Angeles Fire Department who has 38 years of experience provided another perspective: “Hurt people hurt others.”

In a chilling coincidence, less than a day after my post, I discovered a record in a Florida jail database. A man had been arrested on multiple felony charges: one count of child cruelty, seven counts of animal cruelty and three counts of sexual offenses.

As former foster parents to over 60 children in Florida, I have witnessed many removals. However, neither my wife nor I can recall a single instance in which an animal was removed alongside the children.

This raises a critical question: Is it time for a national law that addresses the documented link between animal and child abuse?

MIKE SAWYER

Denver, Colorado

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