Bill Assesses Link Between Acts of Animal Cruelty and Domestic Violence
WASHINGTON — Congressman Vern Buchanan, co-chair of the Congressional Animal Protection Caucus, joined Congresswoman Dina Titus (D-Nev.) and Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.) to introduce the Animal Violence Exposes Real Threat of (AVERT) Future Violence Act (H.R. 8911). Their bill would study the link between acts of animal cruelty and violence against others to prevent those convicted of animal cruelty from future domestic abuse. Senate companion legislation was introduced by Senator Gary Peters (D-Mich.) and Senator Thom Tillis (R-N.C.).
“Not surprisingly, deranged individuals who abuse innocent animals are significantly more likely to go on to commit violence against people,” said Buchanan. “In fact, studies have shown that nearly 40 percent of known animal abusers commit crimes against humans as well. I’m pleased to lead efforts with Congresswoman Titus to study the troubling connection between domestic abusers and animal violence.”
“Animal abusers have a significantly higher likelihood of committing acts of interpersonal violence,” said Titus. “Despite this, animal abuse continues to be treated as an isolated act rather than an indicator of violent behavior. By collecting data to study the link between animal and domestic abuse, we will be able to make informed legislative decisions that improve public safety, decrease incidents of domestic violence, and protect animals.”
“There is a clear connection between animal abuse and interpersonal violence, but more research is needed to help our communities effectively prevent and respond to red flags when we see them,” said Peters. “This commonsense, bipartisan bill would improve our understanding of how a history of animal abuse can lead to future violence, while directing needed federal resources to the local partners who work to protect our communities each and every day.”
“Acts of animal cruelty are often a warning sign of future violence, and we should treat them with the seriousness they deserve,” said 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.”
The bipartisan AVERT Future Violence Act would commission a definitive study within the Department of Justice to assess the link between acts of animal cruelty and violence against others, developing effective interventions for offenders convicted of animal cruelty to prevent their future participation in domestic abuse.
The bill would also require that the National Institute of Justice to submit a report to Congress detailing the findings of the study and offering evidence-informed policy recommendations, and 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.
Individuals who commit animal abuse are far more likely to commit crimes than non-animal abusers. Studies show that 70% of convicted animal abusers have committed another crime, with nearly 40% having committed violent crimes against people. To better understand this link, the Federal Bureau of Investigation began collecting data in 2016 through the National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS), specifically on animal abuse.
The AVERT Future Violence Act is endorsed by the Animal Welfare Institute, Humane World Action Fund and Humane World for Animals.
Buchanan, who co-chairs the Animal Protection Caucus in Congress, is a leading advocate for protecting endangered species and ending animal cruelty, introducing and co-sponsoring dozens of important animal measures. In 2024, an amended version of Buchanan’s Honoring Our Heroes with Dignity Act, which requires the Army to resume horse-drawn funeral services at Arlington National Cemetery, was signed into law as part of the end-of-year defense spending package. He is also a two-time recipient of the Humane Society’s “Legislator of the Year” award, winning the award in 2015 and 2020.
###
