Two Recent Animal Abuse Cases Raise Concerns

In the last few weeks, local press has covered two cases of animal abuse by young men in our state.   Both cases bring to light a rare, but disturbing social problem.  Kyle Roscetti, 21, of Westbrook is charged with cruelty to animals, third degree burglary and tresspassing for the event on December 23, 2011 in which four alpacas were found stabbed to death on a farm in Essex.  

The specifics of the slaying are horrific, and by history Mr. Roscetti has a previous criminal history.  Shawn Malcarne, 23, has also been charged with conspiracy to commit animal cruelty.  They report killing the alpacas "just for fun" .

Alex Wulleart, 22 of Branford is accused of choking his dog, Desmond, to death then placing it in a plastic bag and dumping the dog's body in a lake.  He later returned with flowers by reports to show remorse.  There appears to be a history of domestic violence between Wulleart and his girlfriend, which often occurs in cases of animal abuse.  This social phenonmenon is known as the cycle of violence - the connection between child abuse, domestic violence and animal abuse.  

Psychological evaluations for alleged animal abusers should be absoultely mandatory to help understand the motives behind these horrible offenses. This would provide information that  would help determine appropriate punishment and treatment options.  For young offenders of animal abuse and neglect, particularly who themselves were vicitms of child abuse and witnessed domestic violence, treatment options to break this cycle of violence might be the most appropriate course.  

A promising treatment, called Anicare for Children, is a short-term program of cognitive behavioral therapy for offenders to assist them in understanding emotional dysregulation, provide tools for anger management and accepting responsibility for their offenses. In the past few years, our nonprofit  has served 4 children who have abused animals secondary to history of significant abuse and neglect, with some signs of success.  

Early intervention to build on experiences in empathy and  behavior management skills is critical.  To learn appropriate care and treatment of animals early in life is a critical social skill that can impact future behavior.