Publications

Dadds, MR, Turner, CM & McAloon, J 2002, 'Developmental Links between Cruelty to Animals and Human Violence', Australian & New Zealand Journal of Criminology, vol. 35, no. 3, pp. 363-382.
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Reviews evidence for the significance of childhood cruelty to animals as a predictor of later violence toward humans. Moves are underway in the United States (US) and Britain to encourage communication and cross-fertilisation between animal welfare and child protection and crime prevention services. Literature on healthy versus deviant child-pet interactions is reviewed, with particular regard to the prediction of later violence. Assessment and definitional issues are addressed. The discussion culminates with a summary of substantive findings and the identification of several research designs that are needed to clarify the potential of early identification and remediation of child cruelty to animals as a mental health promotion and violence prevention strategy.