Pet Ownership, Trauma, and Animal Violence: Preliminary Findings from a National Sample

• In Event: Animals from a Sociological Perspective Roundtables
  In Refereed Roundtable (90 minute): Table 2: Violence, Exclusion, and Inclusion

Abstract

This study examines the relationships among pet ownership, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), and experiences of animal violence. Data come from a national sample of over 1,400 respondents and include measures of pet ownership and attachment, trauma, violent behavior, and mental and physical health. Preliminary analyses suggest associations among pet ownership, ACEs, and experiences of animal violence. Future analyses will incorporate measures of animal attitudes, rurality, and other theoretically relevant factors.

Author

• Colter Ellis, Montana State University