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1
HOUSE RESOLUTION

 
2    WHEREAS, Studies in psychology, sociology, and criminology
3have demonstrated that violent offenders frequently have
4childhood and adolescent histories of serious and repeated
5cruelty towards companion animals; and
 
6    WHEREAS, Additionally, mental health professionals and top
7law enforcement officials consider the blatant disregard for
8life and suffering evidence by all forms of cruelty to
9companion animals to be an unquestionable warning sign of
10future violent behavior; and
 
11    WHEREAS, Intentional cruelty toward companion animals is
12of particular concern as it is a sign of psychological distress
13and often indicates an individual may be predisposed to
14committing acts of violence towards humans; and
 
15    WHEREAS, The American Psychiatric Association identifies
16cruelty to companion animals as one of the diagnostic criteria
17for conduct disorders; and
 
18    WHEREAS, Types of companion animal abuse include passive
19and active cruelty; and
 
20    WHEREAS, Passive cruelty is typified by cases of neglect

 

 

HR0364- 2 -LRB100 12557 MST 25742 r

1such as starvation, lack of shelter, and failure to seek
2veterinary care; and
 
3    WHEREAS, Active cruelty is inflicted with deliberate
4intent to harm an animal creating immediate pain and suffering;
5and
 
6    WHEREAS, 70% of companion animals that are abused are dogs,
7and 20% are cats; therefore, be it
 
8    RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE
9HUNDREDTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we
10urge the citizens of Illinois to educate themselves on the
11signs and types of companion animal cruelty so that they can
12report it when they see it; and be it further
 
13    RESOLVED, That we urge all owners of companion animals
14treat them with the utmost respect.