Police Agencies in Spain incorporate animal abuse in policing

• In Event: Policing Heterogeneous Crimes

Abstract

Over the past 30 years, researchers and professionals in a variety of human services and animal welfare disciplines have established significant correlations between animal abuse, child abuse and neglect, domestic violence, elder abuse and other forms of violence. Mistreating animals is no longer seen as an isolated incident that can be ignored: it is often an indicator or predictor crime and a “red flag” warning sign that other family members in the household may not be safe. Animal abuse has also been linked with violent offending and personality disorders. Two Police Agencies in Spain, Policia Local de Polinyà and Policia Local de Castelló (UPROMA) have specifically added animal abuse to their protocols by including it as an item in risk assessment in intimate partner violence and child abuse. Animal abuse is also evaluated as a risk factor for offending. Both agencies are participating in research along with health professionals, finding a correlation of animal abuse in 93% of 46 domestic violence cases evaluated. These two agencies also offer emergency shelter for animals through a partnership with the Freedom Paws Link Project.

Authors

• Nuria Querol, IHAC Denver University

• Sonia Pujol, Autonomic Police of Catalonia, Mossos d’Esquadra

• David Carrasco, Autonomic Police of Catalonia, Mossos d’Esquadra

• Pedro Jose Moratalla, UPROMA, Policia Local Castellon

• Joan Josep Piquer, Local Police of Polinya

• Sebastian Rubira, Autonomic Police of Catalonia, Mossos d’Esquadra

• Anthony Pinizzotto, Clinical Forensic Psychology Associates, LLC / Former FBI Senior Researcher

• Allie Philips, National District Attorneys Association

• Diane Balkin, ALDF’s Criminal Justice Program

• Marc Pintor, Terrassa Local Police