House Republican Press Release

March 24, 2008

Press Office: 860-240-8700

Miller Appointed to Animal Cruelty Task Force

HARTFORD - Rep. Larry Miller (R-122) has been appointed by House Speaker James Amann to an eight-member task force to deal with statewide animal abuse incidents.

The “Task Force On Animal Cruelty And The Circle Of Violence” is comprised of four Democrats and Three Republicans, all members of the State House of Representatives.

“Animal abuse is extraordinary and reprehensible as a criminal act as it stands alone,” said Representative Miller.  “But when you figure in the fact that someone who abuses animals, particularly at a young age, may have a greater proclivity to engage in violent acts against human beings as well, it is an area that deserves study by the legislature in the greater interest of overall public safety.  I appreciate the Speaker giving me the opportunity to serve on this panel and contribute to its work.”

The FBI uses animal abuse as one of the four indicators of future violent behavior. There are studies of battered women who indicate that their pets were also abused.

Connecticut has had an unfortunate series of animal abuse incidents in recent years, including the savage slashing of a litter of small puppies that were left for dead, a brutal slashing attack on a man’s dog by teens, as well as a man who intentionally killed his wife’s dog in front of their children by running it over.

The task force is scheduled to commence work soon, and conclude its work by December. They will solicit comments and information from the public and experts on how to prevent some of the tragedies that have been reported in the media in recent months. The task force will report its findings and recommendations to the full legislature.