Connecticut officials detail efforts to break 'link' between animal and child abuse
- Candace Bouchard
- Apr 30
- 4 min read
CT Post | By Lisa Backus, Staff Writer | April 30, 2025
NEWINGTON — Nearly 90% of animals were harmed in a home where a child was physically abused, highlighting the need for state agencies to cross report cases of animal crueltyto asses if children are safe, officials said.
Gov. Ned Lamont joined other state officials and animal welfare advocates Wednesday at the headquarters of the Connecticut Humane Society to draw attention to Child Abuse Awareness Month and Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month.
Data has shown that animal cruelty and child, domestic, and elder abuse or maltreatment are often linked, leading the state Department of Agriculture (DOAG) and the state Department of Children and Families (DCF) to cross-report instances of child or animal abuse to each other, a news release said.
“It’s clear that in homes where animal cruelty has occurred, child abuse or other forms of domestic violence may be present,” Lamont said in the release. “By cross-reporting this information between state agencies, our staff can proactively investigate whether other forms of violence are occurring in a home and take measures to protect any children, adults, or animals who may be impacted.”
When DCF or DOAG receives a report of abuse, they send the allegations to the other agency for assessment and possible investigation.
"The Link," as it's called by state officials, is clear based on data from research studies provided by Lamont's office.
Animals were harmed in 88% of homes where a child was physically abused, the data said. In addition, 75% of female survivors of domestic violence report their pets were threatened or intentionally harmed by their partner. And children who are exposed to domestic violence are three times more likely to be cruel to animals, studies showed, according to Lamont's office.
Close to half of caseworkers working with the elderly encountered animal abuse or neglect co-occurring with elder abuse, the data also showed.
In 2024, DOAG sent DCF 90 reports, while in that same year DCF sent 107 reports to DOAG. Last year, “The Link” between animal and child abuse was apparent in 16 reports that met the standard for an abuse/neglect investigation, based on the initial information provided in the written report, officials said. Of those 90 reports, 13 were made in regards to families that were already involved with and receiving support from DCF, according to Lamont's office.
“There is a well-documented link between animal cruelty and child abuse, with studies consistently showing that violence toward animals often occurs with domestic violence, including abuse of children,” Robin “Zilla” Cannamela, president and co-founder of Desmond’s Army Animal Law Advocates, said in the release.
Members of Desmond's Army regularly show up in court for animal cruelty cases, and a recent law the group pushed hard for requires the court to appoint an advocate for animals who have been victims of abuse when an abuser is arrested.
The animal advocacy organization is now providing up to $300 for the first month of boarding costs for pets of domestic violence victims entering a licensed safe facility, Cannamela said.
"This compassionate initiative helps remove a significant barrier for survivors, giving them the freedom to escape abuse without the fear of abandoning their pets," she said. "This initiative also teaches children that pets are important family members deserving protection from harm.”
Over the last several years, staff from DCF and DOAG have strengthened their partnerships to review whether any children in homes where animal abuse has occurred could also be harmed, state officials said.
“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,” said DOAG Commissioner Bryan P. Hurlburt. “Through training and education, animal control officers are key partners in recognizing and responding to signs of cruelty and sharing that information appropriately to protect the safety and wellbeing of both children and animals.”
Connecticut has seen increases in animal cruelty reports over the past several years, due in part to more education and outreach efforts by both DCF and DOAG, the release said. As part of the work, DCF has made cross reporting a part of the agency’s mandated reporter training and across its 14 offices, the child welfare agency has also more than doubled the number of cross-reporting liaisons who are responsible for helping to triage cases between DCF social workers and animal control officers and provide monthly training and educational support to teams of staff, according to the release.
“Our animals, like our children, are vulnerable to abuse and neglect in every community and deserve our full protection,” DCF Commissioner Jodi Hill-Lilly said. “That’s why 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. This includes mandatory training for frontline staff to identify signs of abuse during home visits. We’re grateful to Governor Lamont, the Department of Agriculture, and our advocacy partners for their support in protecting our most vulnerable.”
Individuals can make a report of animal cruelty by contacting the local animal control department in the town where the concern exists or by contacting DOAG’s Animal Control Office at 860-713-2506 or AGR.AnimalControl@ct.gov. Those making a report can remain anonymous.
A reasonable suspicion of child maltreatment can be made to DCF’s Child Abuse and Neglect Careline by dialing 1-800-842-2288. The hotline is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Callers can remain anonymous.