Recognising abuse in

animals and humans

COMPREHENSIVE GUIDANCE FOR THE VETERINARY TEAM

Animal Welfare Foundation

www.bva-awf.org.uk

The Links Group

www.thelinksgroup.org.uk

LinksGroup
Contents

Preface............................................................................................................................................................. 3

Animal abuse and the veterinary surgeon................................................................................................. 4

Overview of animal, domestic and child abuse......................................................................................... 4

Recognising animal abuse or non-accidental injury................................................................................. 5

Approach to a case of suspected non-accidental injury.......................................................................... 6

How to approach a situation where non-accidental injury is suspected............................................... 7

The question of confidentiality.................................................................................................................... 7

How to record or report a case of suspected non-accidental injury...................................................... 8

Establishing a practice protocol for non-accidental injury in animals.................................................. 11

Safeguarding animals, children and adults: the Link.............................................................................. 12

The AVDR action process........................................................................................................................... 14

The future: liaison with human and animal healthcare professionals.................................................. 15

References..................................................................................................................................................... 16

Further reading............................................................................................................................................. 16

The link between domestic abuse and the abuse of family pets in Scotland......................................17

Useful contacts..............................................................................................................................................17

Liaison with Medics Against Violence and the Violence Reduction Unit............................................ 19

Appendix 1.....................................................................................................................................................20

Appendix 2....................................................................................................................................................22

2 Recognising abuse in animals and humans

Preface

Veterinary surgeons may occasionally be presented with animals that have suffered abuse.
Different terms (cruelty, maltreatment or neglect) are often interchangeably used to describe
abuse. This guidance document focuses on animal abuse: deliberate or non-accidental injury
(NAI), which can be difficult to differentiate from injury caused by a genuine accident. This
guidance will help veterinary surgeons in their deliberations.

Even if the signs of NAI are recognised with a history that supports the diagnosis, veterinary
surgeons may be reluctant to report cases of cruelty because they feel unqualified to do so,
they may be unaware of what to do or they may lack the confidence to proceed. The guide
encourages training and the provision of a straightforward practice protocol for all members of
the veterinary team.

Beyond NAI in animals, veterinary surgeons will be aware that abuse is perpetrated in a number
of relationships: child abuse, domestic violence and abuse of older people. Therefore, if serious
animal abuse is occurring, the veterinary surgeon should be aware that other forms of domestic
or family violence may also be present. Increasingly it has come to be recognised that there are
complex interrelationships within violent households and animals may be part of the equation too:

‘When animals are abused, people are at risk; when

people are abused, animals are at risk.’
Understanding the Link between Violence to People and Violence to Animals
(a booklet by the American Humane Association)

Our colleagues working with vulnerable children and adults have welcomed the active
participation of veterinary surgeons through the Links Group, in establishing support networks
and access to cross-reporting mechanisms, so that vets are in a position to offer help to victims of
violence. Also, human healthcare professionals and the police domestic abuse units often need
help and advice from vets when they find a vulnerable animal in a violent household.

This guidance document:

●● Provides a reminder of the veterinary profession’s responsibilities under the Animal Welfare Acts

●● Defines the types of abuse and how to recognise them

●● Gives an overview of the links between child, animal and domestic abuse

●● Explains the importance of a multi-agency approach

●● Gives practical advice on how to establish channels of communication with human agencies

Freda Scott-Park BVM&S, PhD, Hon.DVM&S, MRCVS

Paula Boyden, BVetMed, MRCVS
Wendy Sneddon VN, MSc, FInstLM
Vicki Betton BA (Hons), PGDip IDM
(Members of The Links Group)

Comprehensive guidance for the veterinary team 3

Animal abuse and the veterinary surgeon

Our responsibilities under the Animal Welfare Acts In order to further clarify the basic needs for a particular
The Animal Welfare Act 2006 for England and Wales, species or circumstance, the Acts provide for the
Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006 and production of Codes of Practice in each devolved
The Welfare of Animals Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 authority. The main aim of the Codes is to give ‘practical
provide similar legislation to punish cruelty to animals guidance’ on how to provide for an animal’s needs but
and prevent animals from suffering. In addition to a may also be used during a prosecution under the Acts by
number of other matters, the Acts make it an offence to either the prosecuting authority or the defence. The Codes
cause unnecessary suffering to an animal and impose are not prescriptive, but provide a basis of information.
a ‘duty of care’ on anyone responsible for an animal to Veterinary surgeons must be familiar with the contents
take reasonable steps to ensure an animal’s welfare of the Codes as they are essentially a statement of the
is protected. Suffering is defined as both physical and minimum standard of care required by the law.
mental, and the duty of care is clarified as providing
for the animal’s five welfare needs, which include the Full versions of the Codes of Practice can be found on
following: the relevant Government websites.

a. its need for a suitable environment; The legislation also clarifies the responsibility for an
animal and which animals are protected. All vertebrates
b. its need for a suitable diet; other than man are covered and domesticated species,
such as dogs and cats, are covered on all occasions, even
c. its need to be able to exhibit normal behaviour as feral animals. Wild animals are covered if under the
patterns; control of man, whether this is temporary or permanent.
Owners are responsible for their animals at all times,
d. any need it has to be housed with, or apart from, but the person in charge of an animal is responsible for
other animals, and their care, in addition to the owner. Consequently, the
veterinary surgeon is responsible for providing for the
e. its need to be protected from pain, suffering, injury needs of an animal that has been admitted to a veterinary
and disease. practice under his or her care.

Overview of animal, domestic and child abuse

The terminology of abuse is complex and it is easier for leads to a fragile emotional state. In animals, persistent
veterinary surgeons to draw on the terms used by our threatening behaviour or a failure to provide basic
medical colleagues. However, this can be confusing with behavioural needs constitutes emotional abuse.
various agencies and authorities using different definitions.
For further information see Appendix 2 on page 22. Sexual abuse: forcing a child or adult to take part in
sexual activities. Munro & Munro (2008)[3] suggest that
the term animal sexual abuse should be used to describe
What are abuse and neglect? the use of an animal for sexual gratification. This includes
These are forms of maltreatment; either by inflicting injuries/acts involving the rectum/anus as well as the
harm or by failing to prevent harm. Broadly, there are four genitalia, i.e., intercourse does not have to take place for
groups of abuse levied against children, vulnerable adults sexual abuse to occur.
and animals:
Neglect: the persistent failure to provide a person or an
Physical abuse (may also be referred to as non-accidental animal with the basic necessities of life: food, water and
injury or NAI): hitting, shaking, throwing, poisoning, shelter. Failure to protect the child, vulnerable adult or
burning, scalding, suffocation, asphyxiation etc. animal from physical danger or emotional harm is also
abuse, as is a lack of affection/companionship. Failure
Emotional abuse: this is easier to recognise in humans to provide appropriate medical/veterinary care will be
where persistent emotional maltreatment of the person termed neglect i.e. the presence of disease is not a
by bullying, exploitation, verbal harassment or corruption mitigating factor.

4 Recognising abuse in animals and humans

Recognising animal abuse or non-accidental injury

The term ‘non-accidental injury’ or NAI was brought into block in the mind of the professional. It is an abhorrent
the veterinary lexicon in 2001 when four papers were subject and the doctor, dentist, veterinary surgeon or
published in the Journal of Small Animal Practice [2] other healthcare professional must force themselves to
providing evidence, through 448 reported cases, that think about it in the first place – only by recognising the
the ‘battered pet’ exists. Helen Munro has continued to problem can the veterinary profession become a part of
contribute much to our knowledge of animal abuse and the link to break the cycle of violence.
has co-authored a book: ‘Animal Abuse and Unlawful
Killing’ [3], which will make it much easier for veterinary Fortunately, most injuries seen daily in practice are the
surgeons to recognise the signs of abuse. The book result of genuine accidents. However, most veterinary
makes the point that the primary responsibility of the surgeons will be presented at some time with a case
veterinary surgeon is to the animal and it is not their of non-accidental injury. Since early intervention may
responsibility to prove abuse but to be able to provide prevent further abuse, it is essential that we recognise the
evidence to the Law Courts. possibility and the RCVS Code of Professional Conduct for
Veterinary Surgeons (Section 14: Animal Abuse) advises:

How to recognise non-accidental injury in animals

Sometimes the signs of abuse are obvious, but they are 14.12 Disclosure may be justified where animal welfare
often overlooked, particularly by veterinary surgeons is compromised.
who are usually caring individuals who find it difficult 14.13 When a veterinary surgeon is presented with an
in the first place to accept that people maltreat animals injured animal whose clinical signs cannot be
or further, to connect separate incidents as part of an attributed to the history provided by the client,
abusive behaviour. In addition, when an animal(s) is s/he should include non-accidental injury in their
seen by multiple vets, the abusive behaviour may not differential diagnosis. ‘Recognising abuse in
be immediately recognised. Our medical colleagues animals and humans’ provides guidance for the
also face the same dilemma and acknowledge that veterinary team on dealing with situations where
the biggest challenge to recognising the problem and non-accidental injury is suspected.
actually diagnosing abuse is the powerful emotional

Comprehensive guidance for the veterinary team 5

Approach to a case of suspected non-accidental injury

What to look for ●● Is it frightened of the owner?

There are specific indicators particularly relating to the
history that may raise your index of suspicion (the person ●● Is it frightened of people in general?
presenting the animal may not be the perpetrator):
●● Is it subdued or overly aggressive?
●● Owner profile: they may be new to the practice;
there may be some discrepancy in given name, ●● Has there been a behaviour change?
address or ownership of the animal; there may be
reluctance to give a full history and the history may ●● Is it happier when separated from the owner?
be unsound and variable; the owner may be known
to be a ‘troublemaker’ or have had contact with the There may be a number of explanations for the
police; the person presenting the animal may be presenting signs and there is no one indicator that will
apprehensive/nervous. confirm the diagnosis. It is the combination of factors that
leads to a raised index of suspicion; bear in mind that the
●● Was there a delay in seeking attention or a lack of permutation is variable.
concern for the animal?

●● Does the story fit? Are there inconsistencies? Are the This means that by six to seven weeks of age kittens are
injuries too severe to be explained by the history? See able to turn over in mid-air and land on their feet: they
box below. do not land on the top of their heads. Consequently,
explanations of falls to explain severe head injuries,
including skull fractures (which are commonly
●● Is there evidence of rib injuries, current or from
encountered in NAI cases in kittens), are highly unlikely
previous trauma?
to be accurate.

●● Repetitive injury must raise a strong index of Munro & Munro (2008)3
suspicion.

●● Old injuries may be evident on examination, Veterinary professionals may be faced with a victim
ultrasound or x-ray. (animal) and a perpetrator – the person responsible for
the abuse – or the victim may have been brought in by a
●● History of previous trauma in the same animal or with third person, either acting out of concern for the animal or
other animals. under duress from the perpetrator; they may be a victim
themselves. Whoever it is, the situation is best handled
●● Are there unexplained injuries or deaths in other by an experienced clinician although this will not be
animals belonging to this owner? possible in all situations. It is important to remain calm,
polite and objective before seeking help and advice from
●● ‘RTA’ (road traffic accident) or motor vehicle accident a colleague. If your suspicions are allayed, brief notes
(MVA) is an easy excuse but are the injuries consistent should be kept on the clinical file but remember that if the
with the history? case proceeds to a formal investigation, comprehensive,
contemporaneous and accurate note-taking is essential.
●● Is someone else blamed for the trauma?
Explanations from the owner/person in charge of the
Look carefully at the behaviour of the animal (this should be animal (s) should be recorded as fully as possible and if
considered in conjunction with the factors listed above): no explanation is offered, this should also be noted.

6 Recognising abuse in animals and humans

How to approach a situation where non-accidental injury is suspected

Currently, there is no mandatory reporting by vets Further advice

of animal abuse in the UK. No one should doubt the If the incident occurs outside normal office hours for the
complexities of deciding whether a situation (when faced RCVS, or should the unfortunate situation arise where
with an incident or a person giving rise to concerns of concerns have been dismissed by senior colleagues
NAI, violence or abuse) warrants being reported. It will be and the member of staff is still convinced that there is a
particularly challenging for young veterinary surgeons to problem, they must look to others to assist him/her.
decide on the correct course of action, especially if other
members of staff, for example the senior partner, do not Most large welfare charities employ senior, very
believe there is NAI or abuse. experienced veterinary surgeons and most are happy
to assist, as are the Officers of the Links Group,
Every practice should have a protocol for members of contactable through the supporting organisations
staff (Establishing a practice protocol, page 12) to follow (www.thelinksgroup.org.uk) or for their members, the
and this should include guidance and support for each Veterinary Defence Society (telephone 01565 652737
person in the practice hierarchy; receptionists, veterinary or www.veterinarydefencesociety.co.uk). The BVA
nurses, junior and senior veterinary surgeons and the provides its members with a free legal helpline available
practice partners. 24 hours, 365 days a year (www.bva.co.uk/legal) and
advice may be gained from specialist legal advisers.
If a member of the veterinary team has concerns about
the wellbeing of an animal or a person – (Safeguarding Discussion with any of these individuals or organisations
animals, children and adults, page 13) then by following may direct the veterinary surgeon in one of two ways:
the practice protocol, they should communicate these to
a more senior member of staff, preferably a veterinary ●● No formal report is made: concerns should be noted
surgeon. Senior partners are encouraged to discuss their on a ‘confidential’ (see box below) part of the client’s
concerns with other colleagues. If, after this discussion, record so that future incidents that raise suspicion
there is still unease or indeed conviction that the situation may be cross-checked and dealt with appropriately.
warrants recording or reporting, the following steps
should be taken: ●● A formal report is made: the veterinary surgeon
decides that there is justification to report the case
●● When abuse is high on the list of differentials, to the appropriate authority, following accepted
you should contact the Professional Conduct practice protocols.
department of the RCVS (telephone 020 7202 0789;
email: profcon@rcvs.org.uk) where there are a number Whichever decision is made, the veterinary surgeon
of experienced advice officers who will discuss cases. should ensure that members of staff are fully briefed on
the situation and understand the implications for future
●● Outside normal office hours you must ensure that visits by the client.
adequate contemporaneous notes are kept until you
are able to get further advice.

The question of confidentiality

It is very important to have the confidence to the RCVS) as an excuse not to say anything is outdated
communicate your concerns – as long as there is a and unacceptable; veterinary surgeons are professionals
sympathetic and open-minded person to share the and, as such, must consider if they could protect an
knowledge. Using apprehension about action (from animal from further harm.

Comprehensive guidance for the veterinary team 7

How to record or report a case of suspected non-accidental injury

If a veterinary surgeon or another member of the ●● Notify the RSPCA/SSPCA/Ulster SPCA of the
veterinary team suspects that a patient has been abused suspect case.
he/she must consult with another colleague, preferably the
senior veterinary surgeon. If the initial concern is raised ●● Contact APHA local office – for on-farm welfare cases.
by a practice principal, he/she should discuss the case
with the most senior/experienced colleague available. If
both veterinary surgeons agree that the case should be How to prepare a report
reported, then preparations must be made to do so. Details of the telephone conversation with the RCVS
must be noted on the case records, either electronically
All details of the case must be accurately noted on the or in handwriting. It should be noted that there were
patient’s record; do not forget to record the date and ‘circumstances’ identified that gave rise to concern and
time of any conversations as well as the results of any that a provisional breach of confidentiality was discussed
physical examination, which should include notes on with the RCVS. This note must also include the name
unremarkable findings as well e.g. reasonable body of the member of staff contacted at the RCVS and their
condition. The veterinary surgeon who initiated the specific judgement or instruction. These records are
investigation should: essential and must be accurate, as a hard copy of the
case notes may be requested later.
●● Contact the RCVS by telephone (020 7202 0789);
relay the case details and accept their advice as to The reporting veterinary surgeon must prepare a
whether the allegation is sufficiently serious to justify transcript of the case notes signed and dated by the
breaching the confidentiality rules. veterinary surgeon(s) involved as soon as possible.

Excerpt from the RCVS Code of Professional Conduct for Veterinary Surgeons

13. Clinical and client records in response to a request. Permission may also be
implied from the circumstances, for example where
13.6 The Data Protection Act 1998 gives anyone the right a client moves to a different practice and clinical
to be informed about any personal data relating to information is requested or where an insurance
themselves on payment of an administration charge. company seeks clarification or further information
At the request of a client, veterinary surgeons must about a claim under a pet insurance policy. However,
provide copies of any relevant clinical and client whenever practicable the client’s express consent to
records, including radiographic images and similar the disclosure should be sought.
documents. This also includes relevant records that
have come from other practices, if they relate to the Disclosing to authorities
same animal and the same client, but does not include
14.6 In circumstances where the client has not given
records that relate to the same animal but a different
permission for disclosure and the veterinary
client. (10 June 2014) www.rcvs.org.uk/records
surgeon or veterinary nurse considers that animal
welfare or the public interest is compromised, client
14. Client confidentiality confidentiality may be breached and appropriate
information reported to the relevant authorities.
Introduction Some examples may include situations where
14.1 The veterinary/client relationship is founded on trust an animal shows signs of abuse or is at real and
and, in normal circumstances, a veterinary surgeon immediate risk of abuse or where the information
or veterinary nurse should not disclose to any third is likely to help in the prevention, detection or
party any information about a client or their animal prosecution of a crime.
either given by the client, or revealed by clinical 14.7 If a client refuses to consent, or seeking consent
examination or by post-mortem examination. This would be likely to undermine the purpose of the
duty also extends to support staff. disclosure, the veterinary surgeon or veterinary nurse
14.2 The duty of confidentiality is important but it is not will have to decide whether the disclosure can be
absolute and information can be disclosed in certain justified. Generally the decision should be based on
circumstances, for example where the client’s consent personal knowledge rather than third-party (hearsay)
has been given, where disclosure can be justified by information, where there may be simply a suspicion
animal welfare concerns or the wider public interest, that somebody has acted unlawfully. The more
or where disclosure is required by law. animal welfare or the public interest is compromised,
the more prepared a veterinary surgeon or veterinary
14.3 The client’s permission to pass on confidential nurse should be to release information to the
information may be express or implied. Express relevant authority.
permission may be either verbal or in writing, usually

8 Recognising abuse in animals and humans

 14.8 Each case should be determined on the particular 14.15 In cases where this would not be appropriate, or
circumstances. If there is any doubt about whether where the client’s response increases rather than
disclosure without consent is justified, the issues allays concerns, the veterinary surgeon should
should be discussed with an experienced colleague consider whether the circumstances are sufficiently
in the practice before the information is released. serious to justify disclosing their client’s information
without consent. If so, the suspected abuse should be
14.9 Veterinary nurses employed by a veterinary surgeon
reported to the relevant authorities, for example: the
or practice should discuss the issues with a senior
RSPCA (Tel: 0300 1234 999 – 24-hour line) in England
veterinary surgeon in the practice before breaching
and Wales; the SSPCA (Tel: 03000 999 999 – 7am to
client confidentiality.
11pm) in Scotland; or the Animal Welfare Officer for
14.10 Where a decision is made to release confidential the relevant local authority in Northern Ireland
information, veterinary surgeons or veterinary nurses (www.uspca.co.uk/how-to-report-animal-cruelty).
should be prepared to justify their decision and any
14.16 Such action should only be taken when the veterinary
action taken. They should ensure that their decision
surgeon or veterinary nurse considers on reasonable
making process, including any discussions with the
grounds that an animal shows signs of abuse or is at
client or colleagues, is comprehensively documented.
real and immediate risk of abuse — in effect, where the
14.11 Veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses who wish public interest in protecting an animal overrides the
to seek advice on matters of confidentiality and professional obligation to maintain client confidentiality.
disclosing confidential information are encouraged to
14.17 Veterinary surgeons or veterinary nurses may also
contact the RCVS Professional Conduct Department
have animal welfare concerns arising from other issues
on 020 7202 0789.
in practice; for example, where a client has failed to
Animal welfare concerns attend follow-up appointments and the veterinary
surgeon or veterinary nurse considers that animal
14.12 Disclosure may be justified where animal welfare is welfare may be compromised. In such cases, the
compromised. veterinary surgeon or veterinary nurse should take
14.13 When a veterinary surgeon is presented with an injured reasonable steps to contact the client provided the
animal whose clinical signs cannot be attributed to delay does not compromise animal welfare. It is also
the history provided by the client, s/he should include sensible to check that requests for clinical records
non-accidental injury in their differential diagnosis. have not been received as this may indicate that the
‘Recognising abuse in animals and humans’ provides client has sought veterinary attention elsewhere.
guidance for the veterinary team on dealing with (12 June 2015) www.rcvs.org.uk/confidentiality
situations where non-accidental injury is suspected.
14.14 If there is suspicion of animal abuse (which could
include neglect) as a result of examining an animal,
in the first instance, where appropriate, the veterinary
surgeon should attempt to discuss his/her concerns
with the client.

This transcript should state which veterinary surgeon, comprehensive and accurate, there may be no need
as the originator of the abuse complaint, will be to attend court. Useful advice can be found on the
reporting the case and the notes should be prepared RCVS website: explanations about the difference
using professional language (if you use technical between a ‘witness of fact’ and an ‘expert witness’
terms, a bibliography should be provided so that the are clearly laid out in the RCVS Code of Professional
investigator may understand the language) and giving Conduct for Veterinary Surgeons: Section 22: Giving
as much detail as possible with attention to times evidence for court.
and dates. Written permission from the owner is not
necessary in these circumstances.
Further advice on breaching confidentiality
Two or three copies of the final approved document If a client offers no explanation for an injury, the
should be prepared for signing by the reporting veterinary surgeon could try to get more information,
veterinary surgeon. One should be retained in the or may leave it until after they have had some informal
practice files; one should be sent, if requested, to discussion with the animal welfare organisation. In some
the notified body, and one should be retained by the cases it may be possible to have a discussion about the
reporting veterinary surgeon. Notes should be kept with possibility of abuse without making accusations. For
the dates and times of any subsequent conversations example, asking about other people who have contact
relating to the case. with the animal – family, friends, lodgers and children –
may be useful and yield extra information. Veterinary
Many veterinary surgeons are concerned about surgeons and veterinary nurses should be familiar with
reporting and the possibility of having to appear the principles of AVDR (asking; validating; documenting
in court. If the veterinary surgeon’s notes are and reporting).

Comprehensive guidance for the veterinary team 9

 Excerpt from the RCVS Code of Professional Conduct for Veterinary Surgeons:
22: Giving evidence for court
When should evidence be collected?
22.29 It may not always be clear from the outset of a clinical case that evidence (in the form of samples) should be
collected and retained. Veterinary surgeons should be alive to the possibility of a clinical case developing into
a legal case, whether criminal (e.g. poisoning) or civil (e.g. negligent misdiagnosis), and, if suspicious or unsure,
veterinary surgeons should consider collecting and retaining samples, with the consent of the owner of the animal
or the person in control or possession of the animal. Apart from assistance from more senior colleagues, veterinary
surgeons are advised to consider contacting the police, RSPCA or local authority officers if they are unsure about
whether to collect evidence.
(10 October 2014) www.rcvs.org.uk/evidence

The vet must keep an open mind and take care not to Aggressive clients
imply that they believe the person in front of them is Obviously an approach to elicit extra information may
responsible; bear in mind that the person presenting the not be appropriate in all cases, for example, if faced
animal may or may not be the perpetrator. Many pets by an aggressive client who may be the perpetrator.
are in contact with a range of people and the person In this instance, notes should be made at the time of
presenting the animal may not be aware of abuse. Animal the consultation and advice sought immediately from a
abuse can be a covert behaviour, e.g. in children and senior colleague, if possible before the client leaves the
teenagers. Asking about children in the household might practice. Many final year students (and new graduates)
be useful, because children can hurt animals through are concerned about personal safety when faced with
rough handling, poor education in animal care, or an abusive or threatening client; a veterinary surgeon is
because they have broader behavioural problems or have not expected to challenge an aggressive client when this
been maltreated. If they do hurt a pet they may well not might place the veterinary surgeon at risk of violence.
tell an adult about it.

It is possible to discuss breaching confidentiality with ‘What would a reasonable person do?’
clients and it will not necessarily be badly received if it The phrase ‘reasonable grounds’ (in relation to
is put in the framework of a ‘duty’ to discuss cases with breaching confidentiality) is used in the RCVS guidance
the animal welfare organisations when there are certain and requires some further explanation. The question
types of injuries and no obvious explanation. It may be needs to be asked: ‘What would a reasonable person
explained that the animal welfare organisation will not do?’ For example, say the practice has been presented
necessarily want to take action against the client but it with a scalded cat three days after the actual injury
is their role to find out more about situations where an took place. Do you consider this to be reasonable? If
animal has become injured and to help and advise the you examine multiple kittens with fractures from the
client about animal care and welfare. same household; does this seem to be feasible; is it
reasonable? Remind yourself of the salient points (see
Sensitive questioning may reveal other areas of concern page 6: What to look for): history inconsistent with injury,
e.g. domestic violence or child abuse (‘Safeguarding discrepancies in the history, repetitive injuries etc.
animals, children and adults’, page 12) and may give a These would all raise suspicions and give ‘reasonable
better sense of what the clients are like, or implicate grounds’ for breaching confidentiality after discussion
another person (e.g. a lodger) about whom the client had with the RCVS (020 7202 0789).
some concerns.

It also creates space for the client to acknowledge the

possibility of abuse without implicating themselves or
feeling that they are under suspicion.

10 Recognising abuse in animals and humans

Establishing a practice protocol for non-accidental injury in animals

Although the principles of AVDR (Ask; Validate; Document ●● Ensure that your notes are comprehensive and
and Report/Refer) are set in the context of domestic abuse, contemporaneous, whether a report is made or not
they are also relevant to situations where abuse to the (How to record or report a case of suspected non-
animal only is evident. A copy of the Links Practice Poster accidental injury, page 8).
is available online from www.thelinksgroup.co.uk or
www.bva-awf.org.uk. ●● Report the abuse in the first instance to the
appropriate welfare organisation.
The Practice Poster is designed to be displayed within the
staff area of the practice. The following points should be ●● Inform your professional indemnity organisation.
considered within each practice:
●● Also consider incorporating the cross-reporting cascade
●● Recognise the possibility of animal abuse and when there are suspicions of human abuse (A decision-
consider it to be a potential diagnosis: abuse should making cascade: when to cross-report, page 13).
be on the list of differential diagnoses but not at the
top of it. ●● The practice should establish good relationships
with the animal welfare agencies RSPCA/SSPCA/
●● Is the injury to the animal severe or even life- Ulster SPCA Officers. Ask them to participate in the
threatening? production of the practice protocol; this will make it
easier to have informal conversations where you can
●● Is there evidence of recurrent injury or is this a single discuss your concerns before making a formal report.
episode?
Veterinary surgeons should consider reporting cases
●● Share your concerns with colleagues; be prepared of suspected abuse after discussion with colleagues or
for disbelief or dismissal from colleagues, including other agencies; veterinary nurses are also authorised
senior vets. to breach the RCVS rules of confidentiality but should
discuss the situation with senior colleagues before
●● Re-examine your initial concerns and if they hold firm, doing so. Other practice personnel who are concerned
seek further advice from the RCVS, the appropriate over the welfare of an animal must raise their concern
animal welfare agency or your local police contact. with the veterinary surgeon dealing with the case or the
senior partner.
●● Other colleagues such as the animal welfare
organisations, the Links Group or the Veterinary
Defence Society may provide additional help;
remember this can be done without disclosing the
name of the client in the first instance.

Comprehensive guidance for the veterinary team 11

Safeguarding animals, children and adults: the Link

abuse, whether to animal, adult or child, may be reported

There is increasing research and clinical evidence which
to the relevant body.
suggests that there are sometimes inter-relationships,
commonly referred to as ‘links’, between the abuse
of children, vulnerable adults and animals. A better All members of the veterinary team are an important part
understanding of these links can help to protect victims, of this professional community and to ensure that we play
both human and animal, and promote their welfare. our part in this inter-agency collaboration, this document
has been produced to assist veterinary personnel faced
‘Understanding the Link; child abuse, animal abuse
with suspected cases of animal abuse or when there are
and domestic violence: Information for Professionals’,
concerns over animal or human welfare. Animal abuse is
a booklet produced by the NSPCC in conjunction with
the Links Group. not just a companion animal issue; veterinary surgeons
working with large animals may come into contact with
it too and they should be aware of vulnerable people
trapped on remote farms or smallholdings, unable to
Veterinary professionals will be aware of the substantial drive or escape.
changes in the strategies for child protection in the UK
particularly since the review by Lord Laming (published
January 2003) into the failures surrounding the Victoria Cross-reporting
Climbié case. There has been a raft of initiatives to Cross-reporting describes the mechanism for different
ensure that vulnerable children are protected although agencies (e.g. child protection agencies: NSPCC or
spectacular failures sadly continue to be reported, Safeguarding Children, domestic violence organisations,
demonstrating the complexities of safeguarding children. veterinary practices, animal welfare organisations etc.)
It is evident that no matter how many policies are in to communicate concerns to the relevant organisation
place, these alone cannot guarantee the welfare of young in confidence. Cross-reporting currently occurs in a
people. Sadly, the NSPCC states that 88% of abused sporadic and limited way, although RSPCA officers
children have seen domestic violence at first hand. receive training about child protection issues and
women’s refuge organisations will report suspicions of
Domestic violence takes many forms; victims are usually animal abuse to the RSPCA or the police.
women but sometimes men are affected, and there are
numerous reports of vulnerable elderly people being Social workers, health visitors and police officers who
abused in their own homes, or in care homes. If there investigate domestic abuse are gradually becoming
are animals in households where violent behaviour is more aware of what to do when an animal is found
present, then the pets are at risk too and may be used or in a violent household; they may seek the advice of
abused as part of the culture of violence and control. the local veterinary practice. In any investigation of
domestic violence, a form has to be filled in and one of
the questions is: Is there an animal in the household? Be
What is the Link? prepared to get involved; they will be grateful for your
It is well known that abuse through neglect advice; and you will be grateful for their support when
or maltreatment is perpetrated in a number of you need advice.
relationships: child maltreatment, domestic violence,
animal abuse and abuse of older people. Increasingly, Obviously client confidentiality must be breached for
it has come to be recognised that there are complex cross-reporting to be successful and veterinary surgeons
interrelationships within these abnormal relationships. should be familiar with the guidance within the RCVS
For instance, children who are abusive to animals may Code of Professional Conduct for Veterinary Surgeons.
have themselves been abused or if serious animal
abuse is occurring, other forms of domestic or family The veterinary surgeon should consider the effect that
violence may also be present. Refuges for women are a false report could have on the persons concerned,
familiar with the situation of desperate women reluctant particularly where there are children involved. A recently
to leave their violent homes because of threats to their drafted protocol between the RSPCA and the London
beloved pets. Threats or actual harm to pets or other Safeguarding Children Board is based on the premise
animals may be used to ensure silence over the abuse that it is better to investigate every case where there
of children and vulnerable adults including the elderly. might be risk of harm to children. However, there is a
risk that agencies then become overloaded with cases
Over the past 10 years, it has become apparent that that have no substance; a balance must be struck
veterinary surgeons must become an essential part between over-reaction and ignorance.
of the team required to break the cycle of abuse. Our
colleagues working with vulnerable children and adults Therefore a veterinary practice should establish links with
have welcomed the active participation of veterinary relevant local agencies, which would provide, at the very
surgeons through the Links Group in establishing least, an informal contact for advice and support even if
a cross-reporting mechanism, so that suspicions of formal cross-reporting procedures are not carried out.

12 Recognising abuse in animals and humans

Some of the relevant groups are likely to be: A = ask
Vets may find the concept of ‘asking’ daunting but it’s a
●● The police – ask for the name of your local community simple method to use if done correctly. However, victims
police officer or larger police forces may have a have confirmed that they would like to be asked. It may
dedicated domestic abuse unit. be the first time anyone has shown any interest in, or
sympathy towards them. For example, ‘Sometimes when I
●● The animal welfare agencies, e.g. RSPCA/SSPCA/ see injuries like this it means the animal has been hurt by
Ulster SPCA. someone they live with. Is this possible?’.

●● Local domestic violence shelters: e.g. Refuge, V = validate

Women’s Aid etc. This follows the ‘asking’ and provides support to the
victim, which shows compassion, for example: ‘I am
●● The NSPCC. concerned for your welfare and safety’. Validating
statements such as ‘I am concerned for your welfare
●● ParentLine Scotland. and safety. It’s not OK to be hit or hurt.’ can provide a
great deal of comfort and relief to the victim and may
●● Child protection departments Safeguarding Children. encourage the victim to consider getting help.

●● Pet fostering agencies: e.g. Dogs Trust, Paws for Kids, D = document
RSPCA etc. Documenting by way of contemporaneous notes
ensures that the history and presenting signs are
●● APHA local office/RSPCA/SSPCA – for on-farm properly recorded; cases of animal abuse may come to
welfare cases. courts many years later. If a victim discloses significant
information, this too should be recorded accurately.

When to cross-report R = report/refer

There are several factors here that will influence your Vets need to report cases of animal abuse to the relevant
approach: welfare agency. The vet’s main responsibility lies with the
animal but they can encourage the human victim to seek
●● Is the animal alone involved or are there concerns for help by offering the telephone numbers of aid agencies.
a person too? This ‘light touch’ help means a lot to the victim who feels
that they are not alone.
●● Do you have a victim or perpetrator in front of you?
Sometimes this is difficult to decide. The details of the case (person/persons presenting
the case, history, signs, details of the injury, the likely
●● Are you feeling threatened by the adult in consultation cause of the injury as well as the ongoing care of the
with you? animal) should be fully and contemporaneously recorded
and, where possible, photographs with date and time
information should be taken (the guidance found under
A decision-making cascade: when to cross-report the section How to record or report a case of suspected
A suggested cascade for reporting to the appropriate non-accidental injury, page 9 is relevant). If there is
agencies is given below and should be incorporated in evidence of abuse to an animal, which may or may not
your practice protocol formulated in conjunction with the include any injury or obvious signs of abuse, including
relevant agencies. The protocol and the Links Practice neglect, to family members, you should consider
Poster should be readily available for everyone in the reporting it. The following cascade may be helpful:
practice to access. By following the AVDR process
appropriate questions can be asked that will help clarify ●● If there is only suspicion of abuse, the likely cause
the situation. should be recorded as a possible differential on the
client record.

How A-V-D-R works ●● If there is minor injury or neglect to the animal, which
Vets are not expected to be experts in abuse: animal you suspect is abuse, but the client does not accept
abuse will be dealt with by the relevant Society for the it, the likely cause must be recorded as a possible
Protection of Animals (e.g. RSPCA, SSPCA, USPCA). differential.
However, to help vets take advantage of the ‘golden
moment’ (that point where a client seeks help for an ●● If there is major injury to the animal, and the client
abused animal or themselves), the A-V-D-R technique does not accept that it is non-accidental injury, the
provides a very simple approach. likely cause must be recorded on the client record
and consideration should be given to reporting the
incident; it may be helpful to have a discussion with a
senior colleague or external adviser.

Comprehensive guidance for the veterinary team 13

The AVDR action process

if you susPeCt aniMal aBuse if you susPeCt doMestiC aBuse

● Inconsistent
● Repetitive If abuse to a child or vunerable adult is disclosed, you
History
Review clinical history ● Discrepant should consider telling the police or social services
● Other animals involved
for any previous NAI
● Previous vet practices attended

INVOKE A-V-D-R
Initial examination

A ASK: ‘How are things at home?’

SUSPECTED NON-ACCIDENTAL INJURY

V
Informal discussion (non-disclosure) ConCerns furtHer
Consult colleagues/possibly animal welfare agency ‘relieved’ disClosure
x
Ensure clinical notes VALIDATE
are appropriate Show compassion: ‘I am
Take further history concerned for your safety
There may be disclosure of violence to humans in household x x and wellbeing; you do not
‘Don’t ‘Believe’ deserve to be hurt, no matter
USE A-V-D-R believe’ no furtHer what has happened’
aCtion
x k Continued disclosure of
ASK: ‘Sometimes when I see injuries like this violence to vulnerable humans
A it means the animal has been hurt by someone (including the adults, children
they live with; is this possible?’ If your concerns about or the elderly) in household
non-accidental injury
or domestic violence Offer the contacts card
are not completely
SUSPICIONS OF NON-ACCIDENTAL INJURY CONFIRMED
allayed, make a note
of your suspicion in
the clinical notes in
a ‘confidential’ part Consult with colleagues/
PERPETRATOR V viCtiM
RCVS/animal welfare agency/
x of the client record;
VALIDATE: discuss with your local police community officer/
TAKE CARE: ‘Your animal does not deserve practice colleagues/ VDS/RCVS/
ask non-judgemental to be injured, no matter what Police Domestic Abuse Unit/
questions VDS/RCVS/Police
happened; how can we help?’ Domestic Abuse Unit/ Crimestoppers/NSPCC
Crimestoppers/NSPCC

Further clinical investigation + / - appropriate treatment

Admit animal for observation (getting permission for D DOCUMENT: Clear, precise, contemporaneous notes
any procedures, including photos if possible)

R REFER:
Client leaves animal Client will not leave animal
Consult with colleagues/ • Encourage the victim to seek help; offer the contacts
Owner to sign form card; make arrangements for the animal’s care
VDS/RCVS/animal welfare ‘Animal removed
agency/local police against vet’s advice’ • If the victim asks for help, phone
community officer the appropriate number
• If victim declines to seek help but you believe they
are in immediate danger, phone Crimestoppers
D DOCUMENT: Clear, precise, contemporaneous notes

R REPORT: to animal welfare agency

●● If there is injury to the animal, and the person ●● The abuse of the animal must be reported to the
presenting the animal reports the injury as abuse, and animal welfare organisations, alerting the officer
reports other incidents of domestic violence, but does to the possibility that domestic violence may be
not wish to report it becuase they are a victim, they involved. The cause of the injury to the animal must be
should be encouraged to seek help. Offer telephone recorded in a confidential part of the client record.
numbers that may encourage them to look for support
from the relevant agency.

●● If there is injury to the animal, and the person

presenting the animal reports the injury as abuse, it
should be reported.

14 Recognising abuse in animals and humans

Crimestoppers ●● The route to anonymous reporting through
●● The independent charity, Crimestoppers, operates Crimestoppers should be used if there is knowledge
an anonymous telephone number, 0800 555 111 or of a person’s name attached to the abuse; this may
anonymous online form which can be found via help the police build a profile about a perpetrator now,
www.crimestoppers-uk.org to enable people to pass or in the future.
on information about crimes or criminals anonymously
and without fear. No details are taken about the ●● It is advised that if Crimestoppers is contacted, this
caller, purely the information they have. Calls are not should not be noted in the client record although the
recorded and there is no caller identification. cause of injury should be.

The future: liaison with human and animal healthcare professionals

All health professionals (e.g. doctors, dentists, vets, social Dr Freda Scott-Park’s work for the Links Group has been
workers, police, child protection agencies etc.) involved supported by the British Veterinary Association. The
with the issues surrounding abuse would benefit from Veterinary Guidance and the Links Practice Poster have
education about the potential links between animal been endorsed by the BVA’s Members’ Services Group.
abuse and other forms of violence.

In the veterinary world, MSD Animal Health currently

sponsor an annual series of lectures at most of the
veterinary schools, which ensures that the veterinary
surgeons of tomorrow will graduate with a better
understanding of the potential for animal abuse and its
possible links to human violence.

Excerpt from the RCVS Code of Professional Conduct for Veterinary Surgeons
14: Client confidentiality
Child and domestic abuse 14.21 Where a disclosure of domestic abuse is made to
a veterinary surgeon or veterinary nurse a report
14.18 Given the links between animal, child and domestic
should only be made to the appropriate authorities if
abuse, a veterinary surgeon or veterinary nurse
the victim agrees. If the victim does not agree to the
reporting suspected or actual animal abuse should
matter being reported, then the veterinary surgeon
consider whether a child or adult within that home
or veterinary nurse should encourage the victim to
might also be at risk. Suspicions of abuse may also
approach agencies or organisations through which
be triggered by a separate issue arising out of the
they can seek help.
relationship with the client.
14.22 For further information and practical guidance, please
14.19 Veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses are not
see:
expected to be experts in abuse, but they can use
their professional judgement to determine whether • The Links Group guidance ‘Recognising abuse in
the appropriate authorities should be informed. In humans and animals: Guidance for the veterinary
all cases, the situation should be approached with team’ (www.thelinksgroup.org.uk) and, in particular,
sensitivity and the impact of any disclosures to the the Links Group AVDR protocol for dealing with
authorities should be considered carefully. suspected animal or domestic abuse.
14.20 Where there are concerns that a child is at risk, • The NSPCC leaflet, ‘Understanding the links:
the veterinary surgeon or veterinary nurse should child abuse, animal abuse and family violence
consider seeking further advice (on an anonymous – information for professionals’ (www.nspcc.org.uk)
basis initially if needs be) or making a report to, for
example, the NSPCC (Tel: 0808 800 500/www.nspcc.
org.uk/what-you-can-do/report-abuse), the local child
protection team or the police.

Comprehensive guidance for the veterinary team 15

 References
1 Defra: protecting pets from cruelty 5  CVS Code of Professional Conduct for
R
www.defra.gov.uk/wildlife-pets/pets/cruelty/ Veterinary Surgeons (April 2012)

The Scottish Government www.gov.scot/ Clinical and client records

Topics/farmingrural/Agriculture/animal-welfare/ www.rcvs.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/code-of-
AnimalWelfare/Recommendations professional-conduct-for-veterinary-surgeons/
supporting-guidance/clinical-and-client-records
Welsh Government http://gov.wales/topics/
environmentcountryside/ahw/animalwelfare/pets/ Client confidentiality
codes-of-practice/?lang=en www.rcvs.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/code-of-
professional-conduct-for-veterinary-surgeons/
2  UNRO, H. M. C., THRUSFIELD, M. V. (2001)
M supporting-guidance/client-confidentiality/
‘Battered Pets’: features that raise suspicion of
non-accidental injury. Journal of Small Animal Giving evidence for court
Practice, 42, 218-226 www.rcvs.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/code-of-
professional-conduct-for-veterinary-surgeons/
MUNRO, H. M. C., THRUSFIELD, M. V. (2001) supporting-guidance/giving-evidence-for-court/
‘Battered Pets’: non-accidental physical injuries
found in dogs and cats. Journal of Small Animal RCVS Professional Conduct department
Practice 42, 279-290 www.rcvs.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/contact-
the-professional-conduct-department/
MUNRO, H. M. C., THRUSFIELD, M. V. (2001)
‘Battered Pets’: sexual abuse. Journal of Small
6 Home Office (Dec 2015) Controlling or Coercive
Animal Practice 42, 333-337
Behaviour in an Intimate Or Family Relationship
MUNRO, H. M. C., THRUSFIELD, M. V. (2001) https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/
‘Battered Pets’: Munchausen syndrome by proxy statutory-guidance-framework-controlling-or-
(factitious illness by proxy). Journal of Small coercive-behaviour-in-an-intimate-or-family-
Animal Practice 42, 385-389 relationship

3  UNRO, R., MUNRO, H. M. C. (2008). Animal

M 7 TONG, L (2016) ‘Identifying non-accidental injury
Abuse and Unlawful Killing: Veterinary Forensic cases in veterinary practice’, In Practice, 38, 59-68
Pathology, Saunders Elsevier

4  SPCC: Understanding the links: child abuse,

N
animal abuse and domestic violence. Information
for professionals, www.thelinksgroup.org.uk/site/
understanding.htm

Further reading
ASCIONE, F. R. (1999) ‘The abuse of animals and human SHERLEY, M. ‘Why doctors should care about animal
interpersonal violence: Making the connection, in F. R. cruelty’, (2007) in Australian Family Physician 36, No. 1/2
Ascione & P. Arkow (eds.), ‘Child abuse, domestic violence, Simmons, Catherine A. & Lehmann Peter (2007).
and animal abuse’ (pp. 50-61). West Lafayette, in Purdue
University Press. Exploring the Link Between Pet Abuse and Controlling
Behaviors in Violent Relationships. J Interpers Violence
ASCIONE, F.R., (ed.) (2008). The International Handbook 22, 1211.
of Animal Abuse and Cruelty. Purdue University Press,
West Lafayette, Indiana. VOLANT, A. M., JOHNSON, J. A., GULLONE, E. &
COLEMAN, G. J. The Relationship between Domestic
GALLAGHER, B., ALLEN, M. & JONES, B. (2008) ‘Animal Violence and Animal Abuse: An Australian Study.
abuse and intimate partner violence: Researching the link J Interpers Violence 23, 1277.
and its significance in Ireland – a veterinary perspective’,
in Irish Veterinary Journal 61, 658-667. WILLIAMS, V. M., DALE, A. R., CLARKE, N. & GARRETT,
N. K. G. (2008) ‘Animal abuse and family violence: Survey
ROBERTSON, I., (2009) ‘A legal duty to report suspected on the recognition of animal abuse by veterinarians in
animal abuse: are veterinarians ready?’ in Linzey, A (ed.), New Zealand and their understanding of the correlation
‘The link between animal abuse and human violence’, between animal abuse and human violence’, in New
264-272. Sussex Academic Press. Zealand Veterinary Journal, 56, 21-28.

16 Recognising abuse in animals and humans

Useful contacts

The Links Group SSPCA (covering Scotland)

www.thelinksgroup.org.uk www.scottishspca.org
Telephone: 03000 999 999
Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons
www.rcvs.org.uk USPCA (covering Northern Ireland)
www.uspca.co.uk
RCVS Professional Conduct Telephone: 028 9081 4242 (24-hour line)
Telephone: 020 7202 0789
Email: profcon@rcvs.org.uk Medics against Violence
www.medicsagainstviolence.co.uk
British Veterinary Association
www.bva.co.uk The Violence Reduction Unit
Telephone: 020 7636 6541 www.actiononviolence.org.uk/about-us

Veterinary Defence Society Crimestoppers

www.veterinarydefencesociety.co.uk www.crimestoppers-uk.org
Telephone: 01565 652737 Telephone: 0800 555 111

RSPCA (covering England and Wales) ParentLine Scotland

www.rspca.org.uk www.children1st.org.uk/services/46/parentline-scotland
Telephone: 0300 1234 999 (24-hour line) Telephone: 0800 028 2233

The link between domestic abuse and the abuse of family pets in Scotland

The following cases provide anecdotal evidence, ●● The police were called to a domestic incident and
gathered by the VRU from police forces around Scotland, upon arrival they heard a man shouting ‘I’m gonna
of the link between domestic abuse and animal abuse. drown the dog but the bastard won’t drown’. The
(Warning: contains distressing material) police could hear the dog yelping as if it was in pain.
The victim later told the police that her partner had
tried to drown the dog in the kitchen sink.
Glasgow
●● A lady who had been verbally and violently abused ●● A female victim of domestic abuse reported to the
by her partner for 12 years awoke one day to find police that her ex-partner had stabbed her cat to
that her partner had turned his anger on her pet dog, death with a ballpoint pen.
repeatedly punching it and causing massive internal
injuries from which it later died. ●● A male perpetrator of domestic abuse bought a dog
for his wife. During an argument he took the dog into
●● During a search of a registered sex offender’s home the kitchen and killed it by cutting its throat. He went
the police recovered a video tape, which depicted him on to be a convicted serial murderer and rapist.
and his female partner sexually abusing their pet dog.
●● During a domestic incident the perpetrator slashed
●● A 22-year-old repeat victim of physical and his partner’s foot and then stabbed the dog to death.
emotional domestic abuse by her ex-partner was The knife was lodged in the dog’s ribcage when the
attacked by him and had a knife held to her throat police arrived.
while he kicked over her budgie cage, allowing the
birds to fly free. He then started throwing the knife at ●● The police were called to an argument/fight between
the birds but on missing them he deliberately stood a couple within the family home. During the incident
on one of them and kicked it across the room, killing the male partner threatened to kill the family pet
it. Following this he threatened to stab and kill her rabbit by slitting its throat. Fearing for her own safety
pet dog; however, a friend of the victim grabbed the and that of the rabbit the female partner grabbed the
dog and ran from the house. rabbit and fled from her home.

Comprehensive guidance for the veterinary team 17

Falkirk ●● The police were called to a family home on a regular
●● A teenager found her pet dog battered to death one basis because of domestic violence. The circumstances
morning in the kitchen. Following an investigation always included the perpetrator being accused of
by the police, suspicion centred upon her father. Her beating the family dog, which resulted in it shivering and
father denied the allegation when interviewed by cowering in the corner, terrified of the perpetrator.
the police. Her mother at this time could not provide
any further information. Some time after this incident, ●● The police were called to a domestic incident during
the teenager’s mother contacted the police to inform which the perpetrator threw the family budgie on an
them that she had been the victim of domestic abuse open fire.
for many years at the hands of her husband and that
he had had ‘battered’ the dog to death following a ●● During a historic investigation of child abuse, it was
night out. established that the abuser had over a number of
years physically and sexually abused his wife and
●● During a domestic incident where the victim was their children. All the witnesses spoke of a great deal
assaulted by having juice poured over her, spat on of animal cruelty including microwaving cats, and
and strangled, the perpetrator threw her dog out of a cutting dogs’ heads off with spades.
first-floor window – fortunately the dog survived. The
perpetrator was charged under the Animal Health and
Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006. Inverness
●● The police were called to a domestic incident in
●● During an incident of domestic abuse, a high-risk Inverness and upon arrival discovered a dead dog.
victim of domestic abuse reported that she had been The dog had been dead for some time, but the victim
assaulted by her partner and during a fit of rage he refused to say what had happened to it although it
had picked up her cat and repeatedly swung it in the was suspected that the abuser had killed it.
air, hitting it off the wall of her home.

Greenock
Paisley ●● During a domestic incident the abuser threw the
●● The police were contacted to deal with a couple victim’s cat out of the window.
fighting and upon arrival discovered that during the
incident the female partner had thrown a puppy
across the room, trying to hit her partner with it. Edinburgh
●● During a horrendous child abuse case where six
children were physically abused and the mother
Dumbarton and Argyll almost killed on several occasions, the abuser cut the
●● During a domestic incident the perpetrator strangled cat’s tail off in front of the children.
the family hamster.
●● During an incident of domestic abuse, the children’s
●● During a domestic incident a gerbil was thrown at pet hamster was microwaved.
the wall.

●● At a house in Oban, a couple were racing their pet Conclusion

rabbits around a track they had built in their home. From these brief examples it is clear that the abuse of
At some point during the race the couple fell out and family pets goes on in homes across Scotland. In the
one of them picked up the other’s rabbit and kicked it heat of the moment the police are focused upon the
about the house and then beheaded it. needs of the victim and family (rightly so, given their
statutory responsibility to protect human life). As a result,
●● At another domestic incident the perpetrator put his sometimes the needs of the animals involved are not
partner’s cat in the freezer, killing it. yet being met. The examples also indicated that some
officers were unsure what could or should be done when
they are faced with historical animal cruelty.
Fife
●● During a violent domestic incident the perpetrator The subject of pet abuse within a domestic abuse context
threw boiling water over his partner and then tried to was addressed within a criminal justice setting at an
strangle her. He then picked up a knife and called the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland (ACPOS)
children into the room and killed two pet finches by Domestic Abuse Conference in March 2012. During the
stabbing them with a large kitchen knife. next domestic abuse campaign (December/January
2012/13) Scottish police forces were asked to collect more
●● During a sustained physical attack of a woman in front specific data on the prevalence of pet abuse.
of her children, her partner hung the family pet from
the light fitting.

18 Recognising abuse in animals and humans

Liaison with Medics Against Violence and the Violence Reduction Unit

In October 2011, the Links Group (www.thelinksgroup.org.uk) joined forces with these organisations to collaborate on a
Scottish initiative called the Domestic Abuse Veterinary Initiative (or DAVI for short).
●● Medics Against Violence (www.medicsagainstviolence.co.uk)
●● Violence Reduction Unit of the Strathclyde Police (www.actiononviolence.org.uk/about-us)
●● Crimestoppers Scotland (www.crimestoppersscotland-uk.org)
●● OneKind (www.onekind.org)

Background Training for veterinary surgeons on how to apply the

The concept behind Medics against Violence (MAV) was principles of AVDR will be provided through the Links
conceived by three Scottish surgeons: Christine Goodall, Veterinary Training Initiative (LVTI)
Mark Devlin and David Koppel. This statement from their
website will strike a chord in most people’s minds: 2. To enable the safe reporting of animal abuse, or
suspected animal abuse, by members of the public. A
Every day, medics see the outcomes of violence on poster – ‘Sharing a secret’ – has been produced for
their operating tables, in their surgeries and in their distribution to all vets, highlighting the fact that animals
clinics. While we do our best to repair the wounds left and humans can be victims of the same abuser. The
by violence, it’s not easy: even the best surgeons can’t poster encourages people to report the perpetrators
remove all trace of an attack, and scars may run far anonymously to Crimestoppers, where they need have
deeper than what is seen on the surface. We think that no fear about speaking up.
a lot of violence could easily be prevented, meaning a
lot less victims and a lot less suffering. That’s why we 3. To provide practical assistance to people with pets
set up Medics against Violence. Our aim is to prevent who need to escape domestic abuse. Many refuges
violence before it happens. for people fleeing abuse are unable to accept
animals. Pet fostering services try to provide homes
In many homes where domestic abuse takes place, humans for animals, which helps victims to leave home,
are not the only victims. As family members, pets can without having to leave a much-loved pet behind and
also be hurt, terrified and neglected. The Medics against at risk from their abuser.
Violence: Domestic Abuse Veterinary Initiative (MAV/DAVI)
aims to help all family members – people and animals – 4. To gather data from police forces on the prevalence of
affected by domestic abuse. MAV/DAVI offers practical pet abuse, with a view to providing guidance for officers
help and advice to victims and health professionals, as dealing with incidents that involve families with pets.
well as helping to make people understand why hurting
animals matters. 5. To highlight the links between abuse of animals and
violence towards humans, and the benefits for all in
combating these problems together in the community.
Aims of the MAV/DAVI project (April 2012)
The MAV/DAVI initiative (see also Appendix 1, page 20)
supported by Medics against Violence, Crimestoppers
and the Violence Reduction Unit was a Scottish pilot,
which is being extended to the rest of Great Britain as the
success of the scheme is monitored.

1. To provide veterinary surgeons with the information

and reassurance required when they suspect that their
patient, and possibly sometimes the patient’s owner,
may have suffered non-accidental injury (abuse). These
cases are rare, but research over the past decade has
consistently shown that they do arise in practice. The
MAV Practice Note for dentists has been adapted by
British Veterinary Association (BVA) past-President Dr
Freda Scott-Park, who is also Chairman of the Links
Group, to inform and advise veterinary surgeons about
potential domestic abuse issues. The new Links Practice
Poster explains how explains how vets can apply the
AVDR principles (asking, validating, documenting and
recording) developed for dentists by Dr Barbara Gerbert
of the University of California, San Francisco.

Comprehensive guidance for the veterinary team 19

Appendix 1

MAV/DAVI partners Crimestoppers

The partners in the Medics against Violence Domestic www.crimestoppers-uk.org
Abuse Veterinary Initiative (MAV/DAVI) are:
Crimestoppers is an independent charity helping to find
criminals and solve crimes. It has an anonymous phone
number, 0800 555 111, that people can call to pass on
Medics against Violence information about crimes; alternatively people can send
www.medicsagainstviolence.co.uk Crimestoppers information anonymously via its website,
www.crimestoppers-uk.org. Callers don’t give their
Medics against Violence (MAV) is a charity name or any personal information and calls cannot be
set up by mainstream healthcare workers traced or recorded.
and aims to prevent violence before it
happens. They work in partnership with Crimestoppers provides an invaluable community
the Violence Reduction Unit. service, so that anybody who has information about
criminal activity can pass it on, without living in fear
Aware of the scars, disabilities and psychological of the consequences. If you pass on information to
problems that violence causes, primarily among young Crimestoppers you will never need to go to court.
men, MAV set out to help young people stay safe by
giving them an understanding of the consequences of The information given to Crimestoppers is then passed
violence and how to avoid it. All the medics who take on to the police. Crimestoppers is a simple and secure
part in MAV programmes are volunteers from a variety of way of bringing criminals to justice, without anybody
healthcare backgrounds. knowing whom the information came from. Every call
can make a difference. Every day, calls to Crimestoppers
The MAV Schools project aims to influence attitudes to in the UK help to arrest and charge 23 people.
violence among Scottish youth, particularly in relation
to knife carrying, knife crime and gang membership.
Volunteer medics from MAV have spoken to over The Links Group
17,000 young people in schools in Scotland about the LinksGroup www.thelinksgroup.org.uk
consequences of violence from a medical perspective.
The Links Group is a committed multi-agency interest
The MAV Domestic Abuse project provides free group that promotes the welfare and safety of vulnerable
training for dentists, doctors, vets, the fire service and children, animals and adults so that they are free from
hairdressers and enables them to support victims and violence and abuse.
signpost them towards expert help.

Animal Welfare
Violence Reduction Unit Foundation (AWF)
www.actiononviolence.org.uk www.bva-awf.org.uk

Established in January 2005 by Strathclyde Police, the AWF is the charity led by the veterinary profession. Our
Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) targets all forms of violent mission is to give animals a good life by using veterinary
behaviour, in particular knife crime and weapon-carrying knowledge to improve their welfare. We promote
among young men in and around Glasgow. In April 2006 responsible pet ownership and improve animal welfare
the Unit’s remit was extended nationwide by the Scottish through our range of educational resources for the public
Executive, creating a national centre of expertise on and the veterinary profession. Our events encourage
tackling violent crime. debate on animal welfare issues and support veterinary
education. We invest in veterinary research that has the
Adopting the public health approach as described potential to make measureable and lasting improvements
in the WHO World Report On Violence and Health to animal welfare.
(2002), the unit has simple aims: to reduce violent crime
and behaviour by working with partner agencies to
achieve long-term societal and attitudinal change, and,
by focusing on enforcement, to contain and manage
individuals who carry weapons or who are involved in
violent behaviour.

The unit also aims to explore best practices and develop

sustainable, innovative solutions to the deep-rooted
problem of violence.

20 Recognising abuse in animals and humans

 OneKind
www.onekind.org

OneKind, formerly Advocates for

Animals, is an Edinburgh-based UK
animal charity that aims to create a
paradigm shift in the way that animal
welfare and animal protection are
perceived and delivered by people.

The charity works with educators, scientists, key

decision-makers and the public, to advance knowledge
and understanding of animals and to promote a lifestyle
that is animal-friendly. Using science-based evidence,
OneKind campaigns for positive legislation in Scotland,
the UK and beyond; to ensure good practice and
compliance with existing laws; and, where necessary,
uses a mixture of fieldwork and research to expose the
mistreatment of animals. OneKind recognises animals as
sentient beings and builds on the connections between
people, animals and the natural world in a positive,
inspiring and practical way.

Comprehensive guidance for the veterinary team 21

Appendix 2

Definitions of abuse Definition of abuse in Northern Ireland

The situation is complex when it comes to providing Any incident of threatening behaviour, violence or abuse
definitions of abuse; there is no single definition in use (psychological, physical, verbal, sexual, financial or
by all agencies involved in the protection of victims of emotional) inflicted on one person by another where they
domestic abuse. The definitions provided here are for are or have been intimate partners or family members,
guidance purposes only. irrespective of gender or sexual orientation.

Incident means: an incident anywhere and not confined

Definition of abuse in England to the home of one of the partners/family members.
Any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling,
coercive or threatening behaviour, violence or abuse Intimate partners means: there must have been a
between those aged 16 or over who are or have been relationship with a degree of continuity and stability.
intimate partners or family members regardless of gender The relationship must also have had (or be reasonably
or sexuality. This can encompass, but is not limited to, the supposed to have had) a sexual aspect, such as in the
following types of abuse: relationship between husband and wife or between others
generally recognised as a couple including same sex
●● Psychological couples; and family members to include mother, father,
●● Physical son, daughter, brother, sister, grandparents, whether
●● Sexual directly or indirectly related, in-laws or stepfamily.
●● Financial
●● Emotional
Definition of abuse in Wales
Controlling behaviour is a range of acts designed The use of physical and/or emotional abuse or violence,
to make a person subordinate and/or dependent by including undermining self-confidence, sexual violence or
isolating them from sources of support, exploiting their the threat of violence, by a person who is or has been in a
resources and capacities for personal gain, depriving close relationship.
them of the means needed for independence, resistance
and escape and regulating their everyday behaviour.
Definition of abuse in the Republic of Ireland
Coercive behaviour is an act or a pattern of acts of Domestic violence refers to the use of physical or
assault, threats, humiliation and intimidation or other emotional force or threat of physical force, including
abuse that is used to harm, punish, or frighten their victim. sexual violence, in close adult relationships. This
includes violence perpetrated by a spouse, partner,
son, daughter or any other person who has a close or
Definition of abuse in Scotland blood relationship with the victim. The term ‘domestic
Any form of physical, sexual or mental and emotional violence’ goes beyond actual physical violence. It can
abuse which might amount to criminal conduct and also involve emotional abuse; the destruction of property;
which takes place within the context of a relationship. isolation from friends, family and other potential sources
The relationship will be between partners (married, of support; threats to others including children; stalking;
cohabiting, civil partnership or otherwise) or ex-partners. and control over access to money, personal items, food,
The abuse may be committed in the home or elsewhere. transportation and the telephone.

22 Recognising abuse in animals and humans

 LinksGroup

Produced with the support of the Margaret Giffen Charitable Trust

Recognising abuse in animals and humans, January 2016 © Animal Welfare Foundation (AWF).
AWF is a registered charity (287118). Design: petemccormackdesign.co.uk