Representative Vern Buchanan (R-FL) has introduced a bipartisan bill to study the link between animal abuse and violent crime, especially in order to prevent those convicted of animal cruelty from harming other people.
Specifically, the Animal Violence Exposes Real Threat of (AVERT) Future Violence Act commissions a study within the Department of Justice (DOJ) to establish the link between animal cruelty and violent crime toward others, and implement measures to prevent convicted animal abusers from engaging in harm against humans.
The study's results would be reported to Congress, and the bill also authorizes a $2 million annual grant program to support mental health experts, law enforcement, and animal welfare organizations in their efforts to stop animal cruelty and rehabilitate offenders.
According to Rep. Buchanan's press release, 70% of people who have been convicted of animal cruelty were also charged with other crimes, 40% of which were violent against other humans.
As a result, the FBI began compiling data through the National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) starting in 2016 to study the link.
"Not surprisingly, deranged individuals who abuse innocent animals are significantly more likely to go on to commit violence against people," said Rep. Buchanan in a press release. "In fact, studies have shown that nearly 40 percent of known animal abusers commit crimes against humans as well. I'm pleased to lead efforts with Congresswoman Titus to study the troubling connection between domestic abusers and animal violence."
Representative Dina Titus (D-NV), the bill's Democratic cosponsor, said, "Animal abusers have a significantly higher likelihood of committing acts of interpersonal violence."
"Despite this, animal abuse continues to be treated as an isolated act rather than an indicator of violent behavior," Rep. Titus continued. "By collecting data to study the link between animal and domestic abuse, we will be able to make informed legislative decisions that improve public safety, decrease incidents of domestic violence, and protect animals."
The bill is being introduced in the Senate by Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Gary Peters (D-MI).
