STATE AGENCIES HIGHLIGHT PROACTIVE STEPS CONNECTICUT IS TAKING TO ADDRESS ‘THE LINK’ BETWEEN CHILD ABUSE AND ANIMAL CRUELTY

(Manchester, CT) – Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz today joined the Connecticut Department of Children and Families (DCF), the Connecticut Department of Agriculture (DOAG) and animal welfare advocates to commemorate Child Abuse Awareness Month and Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month and highlight the proactive work being done among Connecticut state agencies to cross report accounts of animal cruelty for assessment and possible investigation to determine the safety of children in households where these reports have occurred.

Numerous studies have shown that there is a strong correlation between instances of animal abuse, child maltreatment, and other forms of interpersonal violence, including domestic violence and elder abuse. Professionals refer to this correlation as “The Link.”

"The overlap of child abusers and animal abusers is significant. If we want to enhance the safety and well-being of children, animals, other family members and the community we must work to identify cases of animal abuse as soon as possible,” said Lt. Governor Bysiewicz. “I am thankful for the leadership and partnership of the Department of Children and Families and the Department of Agriculture in addressing these horrific offenses with a proactive, collaborative response.”

Over the last several years, staff from Connecticut state agencies, including DCF and DOAG, have been strengthening their partnerships to respond to “The Link” by cross reporting these instances to each other. Upon receiving reports of reasonable suspicion of animal cruelty from state, regional, and municipal animal control officers, DOAG staff are mandated to forward that information to staff from DCF, who then review whether any children in those homes could be impacted. In turn, DCF has a reciprocal agreement to report to DOAG when they encounter an animal during a home visit and that animal appears to be neglected or maltreated.

“Statistics show that child abuse and animal cruelty are directly connected. Connecticut’s approach of a coordinated cross-reporting system ensures animal control officers have a mechanism to report concerns extending beyond animal welfare,” said Agriculture Commissioner Bryan P. Hurlburt. “Through expanded training and education for ACOs and strong partnerships with our sister agency, we can intervene earlier to protect people and animals. In addition to our collaboration with DCF, I extend my gratitude to the officers, social workers, and partners who do this work every day. Their efforts make a real difference.”

“Protecting children and protecting animals go hand in hand. Too often, child abuse and animal cruelty are not isolated acts but warning signs of deeper harm within a home. In environments where animals are abused, children and other vulnerable individuals are also at risk," said DCF Commissioner Susan I. Hamilton. "That is why we take every report seriously and pursue every investigation with urgency to better identify patterns of violence allowing us to intervene earlier. By strengthening cross-reporting between agencies and working collaboratively, we can break these cycles of abuse and ensure safer homes for all.”

Connecticut has seen demonstrated increases in animal cruelty reports over the past several years, due in part to increased education and outreach efforts by both DCF and DOAG. For example, DCF has made cross reporting a part of the agency’s mandated reporter training. More recently, across its 14 offices, DCF has also more than doubled the number of cross-reporting liaisons who are responsible for helping to triage cases between DCF social workers and animal control officers and provide monthly training and educational support to teams of staff.

“Our Companions Animal Rescue is pleased to stand alongside the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Children and Families, and so many committed partners to bring greater attention to this important issue,” said Susan Linker, CEO of Our Companions Animal Rescue. “The connection between animal cruelty and human violence is real and addressing it requires strong collaboration. Organizations like CT Votes for Animals, CT For Animals Education Fund, the Connecticut Humane Society, and Desmond’s Army are on the front lines of this work every day, and these partnerships make a meaningful difference in protecting both people and animals.”

Between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2025, DCF received a total of 99 written reports from DOAG. Of the ninety-nine reports received, 44 of the families had histories with DCF which include 14 cases that were currently active. In that same time period, DOAG received a total of 120 reports from their DCF cross-reporting liaisons.

The partnership between DOAG and the DCF Child Abuse and Neglect Careline continues to be strengthened to ensure reports are received immediately, allowing DCF to proceed as necessary and DOAG to close the loop with local animal control officers.

A review of national research studies shows that:

•  Animals were harmed in nearly 90% of homes where a child was physically abused.
•  71% of female survivors of domestic violence report their pets were threatened or intentionally harmed by their partner.
•  Children exposed to domestic violence are three times more likely to be cruel to animals.
• 45% of caseworkers working with the elderly encountered animal abuse or neglect co-occurring with elder abuse.

Anyone can make a report of animal cruelty by contacting their local animal control department in the town where those concerns have been noted or by contacting DOAG’s Animal Control Office at 860-713-2506 or AGR.AnimalControl@ct.gov.

A reasonable suspicion of child maltreatment can be made to DCF’s Child Abuse and Neglect Careline by dialing 1-800-842-2288. The hotline is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

###