Development was sponsored by the Doris Day Animal Foundation. Not only is the prevalence of violence high, but methods of violence have become more lethal as individuals with gunshot and stab wounds pour into trauma centers. The spectrum of violence ranges from homicide and physical assault by strangers to include abuse in more intimate forums such as family and dating relationships. Social recognition of violence in intimate relationships has advanced our understanding of all violence, as society has been forced to pay attention to previously ignored victims, particularly women, children, and the elderly. Despite inadequate record keeping by courts and other government bodies there is reason to believe that the prevalence of animal abuse is rising.
Animals deserve our respect.
As sentient beings they experience pain and pleasure. They make important contributions to the lives of humans and possess intrinsic worth. For this reason, animal victims are important in their own right and should be accorded the legal protection extended to all victims of violence. Addressing the animal abuse problem is also an important piece in cleaning up the environment of violence against humans. As social awareness of animal abuse has expanded, it has become clear that the psychology of violence and victimization is similar to violence against humans.