The Link Between Animal Abuse and Human Violence

Noting that many philosophers, including Thomas Aquinas, John Locke, and Immanuel Kant, have assumed that there is a link between cruelty to animals and violence to people, this work brings together international experts from seven countries to examine, in detail the relationships between animal abuse and child abuse, the emotional development of the child, family violence, and serial murder. Considering the implications for legal and social policy and the work of key professionals, this book also includes the critical overviews of existing research, a discussion of ethical issues, and a special focus on the abuse of wild animals. This book is essential reading for all those who have a stake in the debate, either because their academic work relates to the issues involved or because their professional role involves contact with the abused or the abusers, both human and animal. It is an authoritative and comprehensive volume on the link between animal abuse and human violence.