Customer Reviews

The International Handbook of Animal Abuse and Cruelty

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Posted on behalf of Marie Belew Wheatley

President & Chief Executive Officer

American Humane Association

Since the late 1800s, the link between animal cruelty and other violence in society has been presumed and discussed (including at the 1894 American Humane Association annual convention), but until recent decades very little empirical research existed to lend scientific validity to the notion. In this new international handbook, Dr. Ascione presents a lineup of respected authors from many scientific disciplines studying animal abuse and from professional fields addressing the connection between animal welfare and child and family well-being. In addition to presenting a historical analysis of animal welfare issues and their impact on human welfare issues, the handbook reviews important emerging research and explores practical applications for prevention, intervention and treatment. This body of work demonstrates the great progress that is being made in systematically studying these connections, and informs the research agenda for scholars in human-animal studies.

The International Handbook of Animal Abuse and Cruelty signals an important new and compelling discussion to improve our understanding of abusive behavior toward animals. For many years, Dr. Ascione has brought critical attention to the link between animal maltreatment and family violence. In this new work, Dr. Ascione and his contributors to this far-reaching multi-national review significantly expand the inquiry especially in regard to clinical insights.

As a clinical faculty at the Graduate School of Social Work, at the University of Denver, I teach courses in both the inclusion of animals to support therapeutic and human health efforts, as well as in forensic social work practice models. An important element of that curriculum requires understanding and recognizing animal abuse and we have been waiting for such a well-supported and foundational review as found in this book. We certainly will be including this volume into our graduate students required readings.

The academic value of this book is unquestionable, but it is the clinical focus of the book that will inspire and improve the accuracy of the professional clinician. In my work as a forensic social worker, I am responsible for making public safety decisions requiring performing risk and violence assessment on many high-risk individuals. This book will be an invaluable resource, as it provides, a clinical overview of factors associated with animals abuse encountered as considerations in the assessment and intervention of individuals engaging in sexual, physical and emotional abusive behavior.

One of the most compelling theories that seems to emerge out of this important work is the relevance of animals, their care and our relational capacity with them as a measure of human health. By careful examination of Dr. Ascione's book, we begin to understand the human-animal bond and it's potential consequences. Healthy connection with animals can be used to enhance protective factors that can build resilience against the risk factors many young people face. This may include the role animal's play in the normative developmental factors in children and the powerful effect animal cruelty may have on the early onset and progression of disruptive behavior disorders.

The contributions to this book examine these dynamic factors from multiple perspectives. Although each contributor's chapter is well supported and highly informative, I was especially appreciative of the inclusion of Andrea Beetz chapter, as the issues of sexually abusive behavior toward animals have long needed discussion and attention as well as Dr. Gary Patronik's illumination of the serious problem and curious human behaviors associated with animal hoarding.

Diagnostic and clinical theory, sociological perspective, research agendas, law enforcement approaches, policy and legislative considerations are explored in this astounding compilation. Of special note, multicultural perspectives are provided allowing for strong certainty that the issue of animal abuse and cruelty is a shared concern and not just as a unique measure to our families and communities.

Once again Dr. Ascione has given his time and talent to bring understanding to this complex topic and provide a voice to those who cannot speak for themselves.