Thanks to Anna Cristina Tuazon for her thoughtful piece about how animals suffer at the hands of humans and how kind people can help (“Stop animal cruelty,” Safe Space, 7/27/23). Standing up for the defenseless of all species helps make the world a better place for us all.
Fostering empathy starts in childhood. Kids must be encouraged to promote kindness and compassion to their peers and to animals. The link between cruelty to animals and interpersonal violence is undeniable. Psychiatrists, criminal profilers, and top law-enforcement officials agree: Cruelty to animals is a big red flag. Many serial rapists and murderers have a background of hurting animals.
Law enforcement must take animal abuse cases with the seriousness they deserve. Abusers must be tried and prosecuted. It’s vital that young people who hurt animals receive prompt intervention to prevent their violence from continuing.
You can help save lives. If you believe an animal is being starved, abused, or neglected, call local authorities or contact Peta at 0999-888-7382 immediately.