Animal Abuse and Criminal Behavior - Free Essay Example

With decades of research on the topic, scientists and advocates have learned a lot about the correlation between pet abuse and domestic violence as well as the importance of this relationship. Monitoring past instances of animal abuse can be used for early identification of potential abusers for both human and animal victims. It is for this reason that many states have begun to consider creating an animal abuse registry, similar to the more widely known Sex Offender registry. Intentional animal cruelty is of concern as it is often a sign of psychological illness. Repeated offences frequently show that the individual may be predisposed to committing acts of violence towards humans. Since this is a warning sign of possible violent behaviors, tracking animal abusers could be beneficial in ensuring the protection of both animals and people. Therefore, making and sustaining a registry of those convicted of animal abuse will be an asset in discovering and preventing possible future instances of criminal behavior. In an effort to take animal abuse cases more seriously, deter actions, and provide more substantial punishments to those who mistreat animals, animal abuser registries are becoming popularized within the United States. The registry requires convicted offenders to record their name, address, and image online. Consequently, this prohibits them from owning, possessing, residing with, having custody of, or intentionally engaging in any physical contact with any animal (NYC Health, Frequently Asked Questions). The government hopes these registries will provide peace of mind to communities by alerting the public to the presence of animal cruelty offenders in the community while providing heightened scrutiny of individuals perceived to be at high risk of re-offense to animals or people (ASPCA, Position Statement). It provides a tool to allow people to be more alert to those individuals convicted of cruelty to animals. Advocates claim that the stigma of being registered for all to see will serve to deter people from committing animal crimes. As part of the law, pet stores, shelters, and employees of other certain animal-related businesses and organizations are required to check these registries before finalizing the sale of an animal. They are also expected to refuse to sell or transfer ownership of an animal to anyone listed on the registry. Such registries have already been enacted in states such as New York and Tennessee. Although the registries that are currently established are quite new and havent seen much use just yet, one of the New York registries prevented a New York man in Massena from purchasing replacement animals just a few months after being convicted of animal cruelty and abuse. This mans dog had died after being left unattended for hours in his car while at the state fair. The same man also was facing allegations that he neglected 22 horses and had a foal in his care die at his St. Lawrence County farm (Parker, State Animal Abuse Registry). A substantial part of the opposition that creating a centralized animal abuse registry faces has to do with the worry that the expensive system will be underutilized. Although this is just one example, when given the resources, large-scale organizations, privately owned pet stores and breeders, and even individuals looking for good homes for their kittens and puppies have shown that they are grateful for and are willing to utilize the system to help screen potential owners. While the main and most obvious purpose of creating a registry is to prevent those with an abuse record from acquiring animals in the future, there is also a focus on how the registries could serve the dual purpose of identifying people who are at an increased risk of being involved in domestic violence disputes or carrying out violent attacks against other people (Carrozza, Animal Abuser Registry). Most of the research in this area has involved interviewing or administering questionnaires to victims in domestic abuse shelters to determine the prevalence of companion animal abuse. Studies dating from 1998 to present have reported that approximately half of domestic abuse victims have witnessed threats toward, or the actual abuse of a companion animal (Newberry, Pets in Danger). The studies have releveled that nearly 92% of domestic abuse perpetrators reportedly used threats to the victims pets were used as a means of generating fear to maintain control of the abused. Reaffirming the suspected correlation between animal and human abuse. Many children involved in domestic abuse cases reportedly believed that threats and harm directed at pets aimed to create and maintain fear in the home, isolate the mother, and prevent or punish the mothers attempts to be independent or leave the relationship (Carrozza, Animal Abuser Registry). On top of these high rates of animal to human abuses, a study conducted by the United Kingdoms HM Inspectorate of Constabulary found that police officers called for instances of domestic abuse often didnt take the situation seriously or recorded inadequate evidence: The inspectors, who interviewed hundreds of victims, found many felt they not been taken seriously or felt judged when they alerted police (Morris, Domestic Violence Victims). This is most likely due to the fact that when police arrive, the violent conflict has already ended. This leaves many of the cases as a their word against mine type of scenario. These studies did not include a large portion of Hispanic participants; however, considering the statistics of the study groups, imposing harsher punishments and psychological evaluations for animal abusers would prove to be an effective way of reducing the number of domestic abuse cases. It can also provide police officers a basis of action to go off of when they are called for instances of domestic abuse. Although there is a definitive connection between violence and animal abuse, some argue that animal abuse does not necessarily precede other forms of violence. While this may be true in some cases, as it was identified in a 2008 study, committing acts of violence toward animals as a child is one of the most reliable predictors of future violence (Hodges, The Link). In fact, 100% of sexual homicide offenders had a history of cruelty towards animals. This is because people who have either witnessed or partaken in violent acts in the past have become desensitized to it. Research shows that the more often someone is exposed to a certain situation, the more comfortable that person becomes with it (Hodges, The Link). This perpetuates the cycle of violence through childhood and into that childs teenage and adult life. One such example is the mass school shooting which occurred at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School on February 14, 2018 in which 17 people were killed. This event has since b rought amplified attention to discussions of all kinds related to gun violence. Among those conversations is the link between animal abuse and violent crimes against people (Carrozza, Animal Abuser Registry). Reportedly, the gunman who caused these shootings had been known to abuse animals when he was younger and had a history of shooting small animals for fun (Esch, States Consider Animal Abuser List). Although there is no way to know for certain, many experts believe that the number of tragedies such as the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School could be lessened or even averted if these individuals are screened as a potentially dangerous threat due to a psychological condition early on. One of the intended goals of these registries is to identify people with mental disorders and provide them with the support and treatment they require. Although proposed registry is supported by over 83% of Americans (The Tylt, Nationwide Animal Abuser Registry?), the concept is not without opposition. There are still those who worry about the logical and ethical side of creating a system that requires such involvement to maintain and operate. Many animal rights organizations, including the ASPCA, feel that efforts would be better spent further enforcing the already established means of dealing with animal abusers such as mandated psychological assessment[s] and the inclusion of pets in orders of protection (ASPCA, Position Statement). This means that animals will be removed from a hostile or dangerous environment along with the victim. The ASPCA in particular worries about the phycological effects of requiring people to publicly register online may have on already mentally affected individuals. Many opposing voices believe the creation will lead to serious crimes being pardoned with offenders only needing to register their names. T here is also a concern for the human aspect. Some organizations feel that those on the registry will only be further distanced from the rest of society and feel mandated mental counseling would be more useful. On paper, this alternative may sound like a kinder option to those who abuse animals and people. However, depending on how soon or late in their lives patients are offered care, mandating counseling may not be any less of a ?distancer for those with mental health issues. Even if no discrimination is present, those receiving mental care, especially forced mental care, feel stigmatized, at least in the beginning (Henderson, et al., Mental Illness Stigma). It also isnt a guaranteed ?cure for older patients who already feel that they dont belong in their environment. Change cant be forced on an individual; mental health counseling works best for those who either seek out help and want to change for themselves: many of these patients [receiving mandated care] derive little benefit from available treatment programs because they often do not adhere to medication regimens or keep scheduled appointments (Monahan, et al., Mandated Treatment), or are still teens or young adults. Mandated mental care would be most effective if it was identified and administered early on; before the individual begins committing more severe forms of violence and further distances themselves from the rest of society. All considered, none of these alternatives explicitly prohibit abusers from obtaining new animals or track any of their previous offences of animal abuse. So, it is impossible for law enforcement to identify whether an individual merely neglected an animal or has a genuine need for mental help. There is also nothing stating that laws have to be mutually exclusive to either providing mental counseling or registering names to the online databases. Supporters hope that future laws include multiple levels of preventative action to ensure other offences do not occur. It is for these reasons that, on top of other forms of prevention, animal abusers should be recorded to alert others of the potential danger of allowing past animal abusers to adopt in the future. Animal abuser registries are intended to provide law enforcement and private entities information regarding those convicted of animal abuse. While there are concerns surrounding the creation of a national database, many feel that it will be useful not only in identifying those who are of potential danger to pets and animals, but also in identifying and providing help for mentally ill people before they become secluded from the rest of society. This will be a very useful and objective tool for us to lean on when it comes to denying adopters. Now, it wont just be our gut instinct † we have actual documentation to lean on (qtd. in Brulliard, Animal Abusers Registered Like Sex Offenders)

The Relationship Between Character Symbolism and Chilean Society in Ariel Dorfman’s Death and the Maiden - Literature Essay Samples

In the play, Death and the Maiden, Ariel Dorfman employs symbolism through the characters and their actions to reflect aspects of the corrupt Chilean society that Dorfman himself lived through. Act II, scene i illustrates the symbols quite well, with the troubled, unjust Paulina, the professionalism and tranquility displayed by Gerardo, and the unfortunate situation that Roberto finds himself in. All of these represent different elements of the Chilean society that had long been a dictatorship. Dorfman uses the character of Paulina to represent relentless power and inexorable control. Dorfman does this by having Paulina play the role of judge or dictator that rules over society. The character of Paulina coincides with the concept that all the power and control rests in the hands of the corrupt government. Dorfman does this by having Paulina perform certain inappropriate or harsh actions to have her way and garner complete control. Paulina is not always exactly unfair, but she always maintains control. For example, she tells Gerardo that she will â€Å"give [him] all the time [he] need[s] to speak to [Roberto], in private† (Dorfman 31). Dorfman displays here that Paulina is seemingly being reasonable, but in actuality, her motives might be nothing more than merely trying to seem sane to Gerardo after having been harsh with her words and physically brutal to Roberto. Later, as to display the dominance she has, largely in part due to the possession of her gun, she †Å"puts the gun to [Roberto’s] temple† and asks â€Å"who are you threatening?† (32). Because Paulina suffered torture and abuse, she feels the need to â€Å"put [Roberto] on trial† (34). The â€Å"trial† is quite unfair as she constantly treats Roberto with roughness and will only accept a confession even though it may not be true but with all the power and decision making capability, no one can oppose her. She even has command over her husband, Gerardo, ordering him to take â€Å"the gag off Roberto† and not letting Gerardo release Roberto (31). Like a judge, Paulina has complete control over the decisions being made. Like a dictator, Paulina does not see it necessary to abide by the law, telling Gerardo that if Roberto is genuinely innocent, â€Å"then he’s really screwed† (42). Dorfman symbolizes the corruption that had resonated in the Chilean government and Chilean society that he had lived in through the harsh and overbe aring actions and dialogue of Paulina. Paulina symbolizes power and control over her weaker subjects directly reflecting the imbalance of power in Chilean society. Dorfman further utilizes character symbolism through the character of Gerardo to represent an element of Chilean government and society of a Chile he lived in for some time in his own life: equity (or at least the longing for it). Dorfman displays the concept of equity in society in the character of Gerardo as the lawyer to represent the people, the man that should be depended on to be fair and unbiased. For the most part, Dorfman makes Gerardo out to be a just lawyer who defends the accused and serves on the Commission designed to investigate criminal acts, especially those ending in death. Gerardo treats Roberto the same way, as if he is a regular client, declaring that â€Å"even if [Roberto] committed genocide on a daily basis, he has the right to defend himself† (31). This displays a great sense of professionalism and faith that he has for the victims and wrongly accused in the nation. Also, when Paulina begins to use vulgar language with Roberto, Gerardo interjects, sayi ng â€Å"My God!† and â€Å"she has never spoken like this in her life† (33). Dorfman writes this to show that the character of Gerardo is professional and respectful, and Gerardo tries to maintain the trust or respect that Roberto may have for him. At the end of the scene when Gerardo suggests that they should release Roberto even if he is guilty, Dorfman illustrates that Gerardo realizes his own wife is in the wrong by the way she treats Roberto and should put a stop to the behavior. Nevertheless, this also shows that Gerardo is a little backwards in that he would let Roberto go if he confessed that he tortured Paulina and was truly guilty. Even in Dorfman’s most proper character, however, there is some corruption, but for good reason: to attempt to forget the memories that haunt Paulina. In the best of society, there can still be misconduct, and Dorfman demonstrates that with Gerardo. Overall, Gerardo has his faults and is wishfully thinking, just as the idea of equality and justice for the people is wishful thinking in this society. Dorfman uses Roberto to represent the concept of impotence. Impotence is recognized in society in all the people that are oppressed and do not have voices. The general population of a corrupt nation like Chile at the time is a prime example of this impotence. Paulina treats Roberto very unfairly throughout the play, just as the government would treat its people as it pleases, and often time quite poorly. For example, Paulina ties him up and allows him to drink water and use the bathroom on her terms only (32-33). Also, like the people living under a hostile government, Roberto has no genuine voice in the â€Å"trial† that Paulina puts him on (34). Paulina says she will give â€Å"him all the guarantees† he never gave her, but in reality, Paulina mistreats him and Roberto constantly feels threatened (34). In a dictatorship, there is a very real fear of what might happen next. Roberto, quite understandably, feels the same way throughout the play, as he is in the hands of the unstable Paulina who can harm Roberto in any fashion she pleases. Through the use of the symbolism represented by the characters, Ariel Dorfman personally reflects his view on a corrupt country like Chile. Paulina represents undeniable power that would be seen in a dictator. Gerardo represents justice and impartiality, concepts that would be deeply rooted in a lawyer or some other professional defender of rights. Roberto symbolizes helplessness, which characterizes the people that suffer through a dictatorship on a regular basis. Together, the three characters’ symbols allow for the creation of tension and chaos that ultimately advances the plot in the play. The extreme control and power that Paulina represents is placed in the story so that the fairness that Gerardo represents can attempt to balance it out. Of course, the struggle between the two concepts is about the subservience that Roberto represents. When Dorfman writes that the play takes place in a country like Chile that has recently â€Å"given itself a democratic government,† but is still suffering from the problems left behind from the old order. Dorfman uses the symbolism of the characters to illustrate this struggle. All in all, Ariel Dorfman uses the characters in Death and the Maiden to symbolize different components of Chilean society and government that Dorfman himself witnessed. Paulina represents the unfair, all-powerful ruler over society. Gerardo represents the dwindling integrity left in society in the form of a lawyer that works with the people. Roberto represents the people of the nation that suffers through the dictatorship, forced to submit to the rule of those in charge. Death and the Maiden as a whole reflects the strife that Ariel Dorfman experienced in real life Chile.