Those who adopt rescued animals must realize that they are not blank slates for inscription; they already have been exposed to unerasable adverse learning experiences. This is why rehabilitating abused animals takes a lot of patience and kindness.
Social workers can help by advocating for laws recognizing the intersectionality of animal abuse and other violent crimes. This includes allowing courts to award restitution to animals whose abusers are later convicted of criminal cruelty charges.
The Challenge
Abuse can take many forms. A pet may be scared to extreme anxiety, manifesting as a heightened startle response (running quickly on a slick floor without any traction, cowering, hiding) or even aggression and a fear of leaving their home or being touched or handled by people. Rehabilitating abused animals requires great patience, kindness, and the knowledge that some days will be two steps forward and three steps back. But it is possible to change the lives of these beautiful creatures. It just takes a lot of time, training, and commitment. And sometimes, a little bit of luck.
The Rewards
Abuse can take many forms, from physical assault and cruel treatment to psychological abuse, such as repeated yelling and threats. Either way, the common response is fear and a sense of powerlessness. The abused pet may cower, hide or eliminate inappropriately. Often, abused pets end up in shelters after being surrendered by their former owners or seized by animal control. People like those at the Humane Society of New York, dedicated to improving the lives of animals in need, often choose to adopt and care for them. It takes tremendous patience and kindness to help rehabilitate abused pets. Despite the challenges, it is ultimately rewarding. Animals who once feared touching, going outside, or even being near other dogs can become loving and cherished family members. Seeing their progress can be very emotional. And while rehabilitating an abused pet will likely take years, it is worth the effort. It is an honor to be a part of the healing process.
The Long Road
Animals that have suffered abuse or neglect often display erratic behaviors in their new homes. They may react to the slightest touch or a raised tone of voice with extreme fear. This can result in cowering, hiding, eliminating inside themselves, or attempts to escape their environment.
The use of animals in psychiatric treatment, or Animal-Assisted Intervention (AAI), is a growing area of research with increasing popularity. However, the empirical data on this subject is limited. Turning a reclusive, previously-abused cat into a family-friendly pet can take a long time. It’s important for pet parents to have realistic expectations and to work closely with their veterinarians throughout the process. The good news is that loving and caring for these pets can make them happier, healthier, and more emotionally secure. This will benefit the pets and their human family members in the long run.
The Final Words
Abuse is any cruel act that causes an animal pain, suffering or death. This includes hoarding where the owner has so many animals they cannot adequately provide food, water, shelter, veterinary care and other necessities, as well as overpopulation that results in illness, starvation, parasite infestations and even the deaths of some animals. It also encompasses neglect that involves exposing an animal to a dangerous environment, such as leaving it outdoors in freezing weather or keeping it indoors with broken furniture, dirty bedding, vomit and urine, or rotting garbage. It may include kicking, punching, burning, suffocating, dragging, drowning, mutilation, bestiality, and organized fighting (dogfight pits).
Studies have shown that children mistreating animals are more likely to exhibit violent criminal behavior in adulthood. The underlying reasons for the abuse must be addressed to rehabilitate offenders and prevent future misuse.
