From Neglect to Violence: What Triggers Crimes Against Animals?

• In Event: Conservation, Green Criminology, and the Study of Non-Human Crime Victims

Abstract

The study examines factors driving crimes against animals, specifically abuse, killing, and extreme cruelty. An empirical approach is employed by analyzing judicial decisions and their rationales while incorporating a diagnostic survey and interviews with representatives of Polish animal protection organizations. These groups, empowered under the Animal Protection Act to remove animals from dangerous owners, often carry out interventions that state institutions rarely undertake. The research identifies the motivations for animal abuse and killing based on both offenders’ declarations and criminal proceedings. Findings reveal recurring behavioral, situational, and motivational patterns in such crimes, offering more profound insight into the issue’s complexity. The results underscore the significance of proactive interventions by non-governmental organizations and the need for enhanced collaboration with law enforcement and veterinary services. Conclusions highlight the necessity of legislative and procedural reforms to improve animal protection and strengthen crime prevention. By mapping the factors leading to crimes against animals, this study provides a valuable foundation for strategies to reduce cruelty, raise public awareness, and foster a culture of care. Overall, it contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of how best to deter and address these offenses, ultimately improving the welfare of animals in Poland.

Author

• Diana Dajnowicz-Piesiecka, University of Bialystok