Speaker: Dr Emma Alleyne (University of Kent)

Title: ‘Taking it out on the dog’: Why adults abuse animals

Abstract: One of the most acute and distressing animal welfare problems is abuse carried out by adults. There are difficulties to detect, intervene, and prevent animal cruelty incidents due to the very nature of animals as ‘voiceless victims’. As a result, even when complaints are made, convictions are rare and we are left with a limited evidence base to inform practice. Despite these challenges, there is a growing field of research to develop a greater understanding of the factors associated with animal abuse, the motivations underpinning this behaviour, and the treatment needs of abusers. In this talk I will present a series of empirical studies examining the social, psychological, and behavioural factors related to animal abuse propensity and behaviour. These studies explore both distal and proximal factors that give insight into why and in what context individuals might harm animals. I will also present these findings within the context of theory development and future directions for research.