All City Schools Will Receive Message That Kids Who Pick on Animals Often 'Graduate' to Violence Against Humans and Must Be Reported
For Immediate Release:
September 5, 2012
Contact:
Shakira Croce 202-483-7382
Kokomo, Ind. -- In the wake of news reports that a 13-year-old Kokomo boy killed two family dogs by breaking their necks, peta2—PETA's youth division—has sent its new ad against animal abuse to every school in the city in the hope of preventing future crimes against animals. The poster shows a chained, cowering dog next to insulting phrases such as "Shut Up," "Stupid," and "Dumb Dog" and explains the link between cruelty to animals and violence directed toward humans. It concludes with the words "Bullies Are Cowards—Don't Be Afraid to Report Them." The group will ask school officials to post the potentially lifesaving signs in high-traffic areas.
"peta2 is calling on all kids to stick up for animals and for themselves by talking to their parents, their teachers, or the police to report cruelty to any animals the moment it occurs," says peta2 Associate Director of Youth Outreach and Campaigns Marta Holmberg. "Once the word gets out that if you hurt an animal, you'll be arrested, cowardly abusers may think twice before they take out their insecurities and mental hang-ups on the most vulnerable victims available."
According to leading mental-health professionals and law-enforcement agencies, perpetrators of violent acts against animals are often repeat offenders who pose a serious threat to the community at large. According to a study conducted by Northeastern University and the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, people who abuse animals are five times more likely to commit violent crimes against other people. Many serial killers and school shooters started out by abusing animals. The FBI uses reports of animal abuse to gauge the threat potential of suspected and known criminals.
For more information, please visit peta2.com.