Is Animal Cruelty a Marker of Interpersonal Violence and Delinquency? Results of a Swiss National Self-Report Study

Objective: The study assesses the correlation between self-reported delinquency on one hand, and empathy and cruelty toward animals on the other hand, taking into account personal background, personality characteristics, and social context. It is based on the first representative sample of adolescents that allows studying this issue in Europe. Method: The study uses data from the 2006 Swiss National Self-Reported Delinquency Survey. The sample contains more than 3,600 pupils in 7th, 8th, and 9th grades. Results: The lifetime prevalence of animal cruelty in Swiss teenagers is 12%. Asked how they feel about people hurting animals, 2.4% answered animals deserve it or it is fun. Animal cruelty is correlated to various forms of offending. Youth who admit having maltreated animals have a higher likelihood of committing vandalism and serious violent acts. The correlation is weaker for minor violence and nonviolent offenses, such as serious property offenses and shoplifting. Conclusion: Animal cruelty goes along with higher risks of committing various types of offenses, but the odds are highest for offenses having a component of anger. Professionals should be aware that animal maltreatment is a sign of serious maladjustment.