(zoo) HSUS magazine article

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" Animal Sheltering " (magazine) , Jul-Aug 1999 Issue

About This Magazine Animal Sheltering is published by The HSUS for animal

care and control professionals and others who care about community animal

protection, sheltering, and control. You do not have to be a member of The

HSUS to to the magazine.

 

" Strike Two "

The HSUS's First Strike™ Campaign Now Targets Sexual Abuse of Animals.

 

It's a topic that most people would rather not discuss, but the sexual abuse

of animals will continue to lurk in the shadows until the public is made

aware of the causes and effects of this disturbing behavior. The cruelty

involved in such activities is patently evident, as is the notion that the

troubled individuals who engage in " zoophilia " —or bestiality, as it's

commonly called— may commit violence against people as well.

 

But surprisingly, only 22 states explicitly prohibit the sexual abuse of

animals. And the Internet has become the ideal meeting place for this growing

subculture. A few keywords typed into any search engine yield hundreds of Web

sites devoted to the topic, many of which include graphic pictures and how-to

guides for animal sexual abuse.

Not surprisingly, research indicates that individuals who feel isolated,

insecure, and powerless are most likely to sexually abuse animals. Most of

the perpetrators are men, and some even force children or women to join them

in the abuse of animals.

 

" Many animal sexual abusers fit the profile of pedophiles, " says Kim Roberts,

manager of The HSUS's First Strike™ campaign, which focuses on the link

between animal cruelty and human violence. " They may defend their actions by

stating their victims' consent, but obviously no child or animal is capable

of consenting to sexual activity with an adult. And unfortunately, these

victims have no way of calling attention to their pain. "

 

As Roberts notes, children who sexually abuse animals may be victims of

sexual, physical, or emotional abuse themselves, perpetuating the cycle.

 

" Mental health practitioners are starting to make this connection, "

says Randy Lockwood, PhD, a psychologist and HSUS Vice President for Training

Initiatives.

 

" During First Strike workshops held throughout the country, I've heard many

clinicians comment on the the fact that a surprising number of abusers have a

history of animal sexual abuse. "

The HSUS is pushing for laws against animal sexual abuse in states that lack

them and pushing for stronger laws in states that already have them. The HSUS

is also working to educate those in law enforcement, animal care and control,

and the mental health field about the serious nature of animal sexual abuse

and what can be done to stop it. If you would like an action packet

containing a fact sheet, answers to frequently asked questions, a compilation

of state laws, and model language for legislation, call 1-888-213-0956 or

send an e-mail to firststrike.

 

—SK ============================

END OF ARTICLE

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This magazine, as well as another one they publish are read by animal control

personnel, shelter directors etc.,

and while it is absolutely correct that HSUS does not operate a physical

shelter, that is because they are a *legislative, investigative and advocacy*

entity as per their statements:

 

" Our Mission The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest

animal-protection organization, with more than 5 million constituents.

The HSUS was founded in 1954 to promote the humane treatment of animals and

to foster respect, understanding, and compassion for all creatures. Today our

message of care and protection embraces not only the animal kingdom but also

the Earth and its environment.

 

To achieve our goals, The HSUS works through legal, educational, legislative,

and investigative means. The HSUS's efforts in the United States are

facilitated by our nine regional offices; we are not, however, affiliated

with any local animal shelters or humane organizations.

 

Our programs include those in humane education, wildlife and habitat

protection, farm animals and bioethics, companion animals, and animal

research issues. The HSUS's worldwide outreach is supported by our global

family of affiliated organizations.

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