An exploration of the relationship between cat, dog, and small pet abuse and child abuse

There has been a lack of recent research on the relationship between animal abuse perpetration and child abuse perpetration. There has been no research examining the type of animal abused in relation to child abuse.

The current study seeks to examine if type of animal abuse (dog, cat, or small pet) is related to various forms of child abuse (psychological, physical, and very severe physical) among men and women perpetrators. Additionally, this study examines if type of dog and cat abuse (neglect, emotional abuse, threats, physical, and severe physical) are related to various forms of child abuse.

Survey data was utilized from 626 individuals who identified being in a relationship in the past year and their partner had interacted with children.

Unadjusted odds ratios were calculated to examine the relationships between animal abuse perpetration and child abuse perpetration.

The presence of animal abuse, in any form, increased the likelihood of child abuse by 641 %. Cat abuse (OR = 8.38), dog abuse (OR = 9.16), and small pet abuse (OR = 4.52) were all significantly related to child physical abuse. For men perpetrators, cat abuse (OR = 26.67), dog abuse (OR = 22.61), and small pet abuse (OR = 22.50) were significantly associated with very severe physical child abuse perpetration. Severe physical cat abuse perpetration was most strongly associated with psychological (OR = 31.25), physical (OR = 31.99), and very severe physical child abuse (OR = 56.76).

Dog abuse, cat abuse, and small pet abuse are critical risk markers for child abuse perpetration.