CONNECTION BETWEEN ANIMAL CRUELTY AND INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE

The article analyzes animal torture and other crimes and misdemeanors that sanction animal cruelty and torture. It displays the prevalence of violations of the provisions of Article 260 of the Croatian Penal Code. In addition it shows the current world researches that indicate a relationship between animal cruelty and violence among people in order to emphasize the connection between these seemingly different forms of violence and to explain the social danger of animal cruelty. Separately it analyzes the animal cruelty in childhood as a symptom of behavioral disorders or inadequate environment in which the child lives. Then it analyzes the relationship between animal torture especially cruelty to pets, and domestic violence as well as the prevalence of animal torture among the offenders, especially those who have committed violent crimes. In conclusion it stresses the importance of treatment and preventive measures against torture of animals and some recommendations for preventive activities and treatment. It is concluded that a better understanding of the relationship between animal torture and violence between people could lead to development of more effective preventivestrategies and treatment interventions against all forms of violence.