Training focuses on link between animal cruelty, domestic violence

The connection between animal cruelty and domestic violence and other crimes is the topic of a workshop Oct. 7-8 sponsored by Douglas County District Attorney Mark Jackson.

The session, "Investigating Animal Cruelty: The Missing Link in Domestic Violence, Child Abuse, Drug Abuse and Murder Cases," will be offered at Carson Valley Inn from 8 a.m.-noon Oct. 7 and repeated from 1-5 p.m. Oct. 8.

The training is to be presented by Lt. Sherry Schlueter of the Broward County Sheriff's Office in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

"Perpetrators of domestic violence threaten and coerce their victims by threatening and actually harming and killing the loved pets of women and children," Jackson said. "In 70 percent of homes where child abuse occurs, there is also animal cruelty."

Jackson said children who grow up in violent environments experience psychological and developmental problems, in turn, perpetrating animal cruelty on family pets.

"Animal cruelty in a home is a significant indicator of child abuse and domestic violence," he said. "Dogfighting and cockfighting rings are typically associated with drugs and other crime."

Schlueter is a nationally recognized expert in the link between crimes against animals and other offenses.

With more than 35 years of investigative and law enforcement experience, she created the first law enforcement animal cruelty specific unit in the United States.

She commands the Special Victims and Family Crimes Section in the Broward County Sheriff's Office.

Schlueter designed the section to provide a more holistic and comprehensive approach to crimes that essentially stem from family dysfunction and result in inter-personal violence.

Jackson is offering the training in connection with the county's Special Victims Response Team to increase prosecution of domestic violence crime including child abuse and animal cruelty.

More than 100 participants have signed up from Nevada and Northern California.

The workshop is directed at professionals from law enforcement, animal control and district attorney's offices. The Nevada State Bar approved the course for four hours of continuing legal education credit.

For information or registration, contact Douglas County Deputy District Attorney Christine Schwamberger, 782-9807.