Buchanan’s bill would study link between animal violence, domestic abuse

By 

Rep. Vern Buchanan

Bipartisan legislation cosponsored on May 19 by U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-FL) would direct the United States Attorney General to conduct a study on animal cruelty to understand the connection between domestic abusers and animal violence.

The Animal Violence Exposes Real Threat of (AVERT) Future Violence Act, H.R. 8911, which is sponsored by U.S. Rep. Dina Titus (D-NV) and fellow cosponsor U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), would study the link between acts of animal cruelty and violence against others to prevent those convicted of animal cruelty from future domestic abuse. 

“Not surprisingly, deranged individuals who abuse innocent animals are significantly more likely to go on to commit violence against people,” said Rep. Buchanan, co-chair of the Congressional Animal Protection Caucus. “In fact, studies have shown that nearly 40 percent of known animal abusers commit crimes against humans as well.”

If enacted, H.R. 8911 aims to help develop effective interventions for offenders convicted of animal cruelty to prevent their future participation in domestic abuse, according to a bill summary provided by the lawmakers.

The bill would also require that the National Institute of Justice submit a report to Congress detailing the findings of the study and offering evidence-informed policy recommendations.

Additionally, H.R. 8911 would authorize a $2 million annual grant program to support mental health experts, law enforcement, and animal welfare organizations in their efforts to stop animal cruelty and rehabilitate offenders, the summary says.

Companion legislation is being led by U.S. Sens. Gary Peters (D-MI) and Thom Tillis (R-NC) in the Senate.

“Acts of animal cruelty are often a warning sign of future violence, and we should treat them with the seriousness they deserve,” said Sen. Tillis. “This bipartisan legislation will help law enforcement, mental health professionals, and local communities better identify threats early, intervene effectively, and prevent future acts of violence before they happen.”