March 2006 Vol. 25. No. 3

Published by the Humboldt Senior Resource Center in Eureka, California. HSRC is a non-profit community-based organization offering services for senior citizens, multi-generational families and caregivers.

Knight on a white horse: Jace Comfort to the rescue

Make Medicare drug plan choices early

Dial-A-Ride: Long-desired service has been extended to residents on Humboldt Hill, Manila, Samoa, Old Arcata Road

Area Agency on Aging: Get nomination petition now for California Senior Legislator elections to be held in April

Beginning March 7 - Living more comfortably with disabilities

Fortuna: Ron Bremer to conduct genealogical seminar

Animal protection Connecting animal cruelty and human violence

Pick up a copy today! Better yet, subscribe and never miss an issue!

Brought to you by

While not everyone who abuses animals will become a serial killer, virtually every serial killer first abused animals...." - Randall Lockwood, vice president, Humane Society of the United States

Jeffrey Dahmer confessed to killing, dismembering and occasionally cannibalizing 17 boys and men and also impaled dogs and staked cats to trees as a child. Boston Strangler Albert DeSalvo trapped dogs and cats in orange crates and shot arrows through them.

Animal cruelty or neglect can often be a warning sign of other forms of abuse, including elder abuse.

Although statistics are lacking, humane officers have found cases of elder abuse while responding to reports of animal cruelty. In one state, a dead dog in a dumpster led to their finding a neglected 90-year-old woman - the sounds of whimpering from a closet proved to be a battered elder instead of suspected animal neglect.

Many older Americans are particularly attached to their pets for comfort and stress relief, humor, affection and protection, as well as for fostering social interactions. This special bond also makes pets vulnerable to abuse by those who want to exert power and control over an older adult.

Abusive family members abuse elders' pets for complex reasons. Perpetrators may abuse or neglect the elder's pet as a form of retaliation or control, a way to obtain the elder's financial assets, or as an act of frustration over their caretaking responsibilities. Extreme neglect can also indicate the elder's inability to provide self-care or care for the animal and the need for assistance.

The animal protection network performs a unique and valuable role as sentinel, looking out for the safety of older people and their pets. It can make a significant difference in the communities across the country working in collaboration with our aging and adult protective services programs.

By being aware of the signs of animal abuse, medical professionals, neighbors, social workers, friends and family members can help older Americans and their pets. There are ways that all of us can help prevent animal cruelty and elder abuse. They include:

o Become familiar with the signs of elder abuse. These include physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, neglect, abandonment and financial exploitation.

o Check the physical condition of pets. Ask about any recent health problems or injuries. Pets are often malnourished in abusive homes; their ribs may be visible, and their food bowls may be empty.

o Examine the animals' behavior. Pets in abusive homes are often frightened, withdrawn, aggressive or overly protective.

o Ask questions. If a pet is suddenly missing or has been moved outside, ask why. Responses to these questions may lead you to discover animal cruelty, and give the older person a chance to share concerns or report abuse.

o Know whom to call in your community if you suspect animal cruelty or elder abuse.

o Support legislation to improve animal cruelty and elder abuse laws.

Cross-reporting suspected abuse of animals or elders is crucial, too. A California law requires animal control officers to report suspected elder abuse.

Veterinarians can be trained to recognize all forms of animal abuse and can be mandated to report it. They should also be educated on the connection between animal cruelty and human violence, as their animal clients may be part of an abusive system in which elders may also be victims. However, most states do not require such reporting.

The good news is that elder abuse and animal cruelty can be investigated and stopped - if these actions are brought to the attention of authorities such as adult protective services, animal care and control, the local humane society, or law enforcement.