Governor Ned Lamont highlighted the steps Connecticut is undertaking to address the connection between child abuse and animal cruelty during a news conference at the Connecticut Humane Society in Newington. The event marked Child Abuse Awareness Month and Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month.
Studies point to a strong correlation between animal abuse, child maltreatment, and other forms of interpersonal violence, commonly referred to as “The Link.” Connecticut state agencies, including the Department of Children and Families (DCF) and the Department of Agriculture (DOAG), are collaborating to cross-report instances of animal cruelty to assess and investigate potential child welfare concerns.
Governor Lamont stated, “It’s clear that in homes where animal cruelty has occurred, child abuse or other forms of domestic violence may be present. By cross-reporting this information between state agencies, our staff can proactively investigate whether other forms of violence are occurring in a home.”
Connecticut Agriculture Commissioner Bryan P. Hurlburt emphasized the collaboration’s importance, saying, “Our continued collaboration with DCF and other state and local partners is essential to increasing education and outreach around the link between child abuse and animal cruelty.”
DCF Commissioner Jodi Hill-Lilly added, “We’re increasing staff support, improving data collection, and strengthening our cross-reporting partnership with the Department of Agriculture to address The Link between animal abuse and other forms of child abuse and neglect.”
The effort has led to increased reports and cross-reporting between agencies. In 2024, DOAG sent 90 reports to DCF, which sent 107 reports in return. “The Link” was identified in 16 cases, warranting further investigation for abuse or neglect.
Desmond’s Army Animal Law Advocates president Robin “Zilla” Cannamela noted the connection between violence toward animals and domestic violence, stating, “As Desmond’s Army often sees in court, abusers may harm or threaten pets as a means of controlling victims.” The organization now offers financial assistance for boarding pets of domestic violence victims, providing a way for survivors to leave abusive situations without leaving their pets behind.
Reports of animal cruelty can be made to local animal control departments or the DOAG Animal Control Office. Suspected cases of child maltreatment can be reported to the DCF’s Child Abuse and Neglect Careline.
