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I can’t imagine grabbing a puppy by its hind legs, and slamming it against concrete because I am angry. But that is exactly what Devon Bell is “allegedly” accused of doing.1 Not only did he slam the puppy on the pavement once; he did it “three times.” After disputing with the mother of his child, Devon not only killed this puppy, but threatened to kill the other animals that were nearby.
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Doing harm to animals and children during domestic disputes is common. When an abuser cannot reach a satisfactory level of contentment after hurting his victim(s), he reaches out for other vulnerable members of the household. Not only do violent personalities harm or kill pets for spite, jealously may also be a hidden excuse for the rage.
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My verbally abusive – on his way to being violent ex-husband – kicked our Cockapoo, “Champ” really hard. I was sitting on the sofa with Champ at my feet, when Mr. Evil yelled during a tirade, “Yall like this dog better than you like me!” And he kicked him. Well Mr. Evil, yes, we did like that dog better than you. He wasn’t verbally abusive, mean-spirited, and rotten to the core. I can’t tell you how much I really wanted punch Mr. Evil for hurting that dog. Reporting him for animal cruelty wasn’t on my mind at the time. But in the end, fate took care of that malignant person; hopefully he was repentant before he died.
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Pets are family members, and they should be protected as well. They are vulnerable as children who are incapable of defending themselves against injustice. Along with yourself and your children, your pets should be included in your “safety plan” to leave domestic violence. Assuming your pet(s) will be safe with an abuser is to assume wrong. The same drive for power and control will be transferred to your beloved pets once you are not around to protect them.
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Why do Abusers Batter Animals?
- To demonstrate power and control over the family
- To isolate the victim and children
- To enforce submission
- To perpetuate an environment of fear
- To prevent the victim from leaving or coerce her to return
- To punish for leaving or showing independence 2
PROTECT YOUR PETS – THEY HAVE FEELINGS TOO!
1http://www.ajc.com/news/report-man-slammed-puppy-685154.html?sms_ss=email&at_xt=4cbda2f5d4471248,0
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For more detailed information, please visit the following website:
2 http://www.aspca.org/fight-animal-cruelty/domestic-violence-and-animal-cruelty.html.
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http://www.spiritual-side-of-domestic-violence.org
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