Animal cruelty : is it associated with future offending?

Abstract

This dissertation examines whether there is an association between animal cruelty and future offending on humans, or whether there is no definite correlation between the two phenomena. In fact, the aim of this research study was that of finding out whether there is an association between the two. This was identified through the analysis of existing documentary research based on the life background and experiences of the following ten serial killers; Richard Ramirez, John Wayne Gacy, Stephen Wayne Anderson, Cesar Barone, Arthur Gary Bishop, William Bonin, Gary Ray Bowles, David Joseph Carpenter, Desmond Domnique Jennings, and John Joubert. This dissertation aimed to provide an account on the identified serial killers to help discover whether they carried out acts of animal cruelty prior to murdering human beings. For this research study, a qualitative approach was adopted, where the selected documents were analysed according to the following risk factors; Peer Pressure, Curiosity, Physical / Sexual Abuse, Sexual Gratification, Zoophobias, Lack of Good Supervision, Domestic Violence Exposition, Antisocial Activities Engagement, and Violent Family Environment. An outline of these risk factors as experienced by the serial killers alongside certain similarities and dissimilarities present amongst them, were discussed and analysed. It was discovered that the two most common risk factors experienced by the serial killers were physical / sexual abuse and antisocial activities engagement, whereas the least experienced risk factor was a lack of good supervision. It was also discovered that the percentage of serial killers with a reported history of animal cruelty was equal to that of those with no reported history of animal abuse. Having said this, the association between animal cruelty and future offending was not concluded. This dissertation presented recommendations for further research and recommendations for policy changes. These were aimed at not only raising additional awareness on animal rights but also at improving the manner by which acts of animal cruelty are dealt with in Malta.