Experts have clearly defined the link between animal abuse and serial killers. In fact, harming animals is considered one of the telltale signs in identifying mass murderers. People may not realize that most criminals involved in violence against people have also committed similar crimes against animals.

The FBI began to see a connection between cruelty to animals and other violent behavior in the late 1970s. Agents conducted a study and found that as children or adolescents, most serial killers had killed or tortured an animal. Animal abuse is often just the beginning. The person abusing a cat or dog today could very easily abuse a child or spouse tomorrow.

In Hawai'i, animal cruelty is considered a misdemeanor, hardly more serious than a traffic ticket with fines that vary from $50 to $1,000, and penalties of up to a year in prison.

Often people ask, what can I do to help with this problem? You can start by educating your family and friends, and helping to nurture in children a strong sense of compassion for all living things.

In this current legislative session, there are bills before the Senate and House Judiciary Committees that provide for felony-level punishment for convicted abusers who knowingly and intentionally harm a pet animal. Please call these committee members to voice your opinion and stand up for the rights of animals.

ACTIVISM AND WELFARE: WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE?

Animal welfare groups such as the Hawaiian Humane Society believe people have a moral responsibility to care for all animals properly. The community needs to ensure that animals receive certain standard levels of care and that their lives are pleasant and deaths are as painless as possible. Animals should not suffer unnecessarily, especially when used for food, work or research. That's why animal welfare organizations often use the word "humane" in their name or position statements, and their mission work focuses on people as much as animals.

Animal rights groups believe that animals have legal rights that should be guaranteed just as humans rights are. Animals should not be regarded as property, or killed, or eaten or used for sport or research. Animals should not be considered "owned" by people.

The one thing both groups agree on is that animals should be protected against abuse.

ADOPTABLES

Nori
Tag No. 07-934 — Life as a stray cat leaves a lot to be desired, as to which young Nori can attest. She has pretty light green eyes and black whiskers and nose, and she would really like to "strut her stuff" for you!

Bo Jingles
Tag No. 112624 — Bo is a happy, playful young dog that would make an absolutely great companion animal. As a "bone-a-fide" Clever K-9, we are working to teach him basic commands and good manners.

These animals already may have found homes. The Hawaiian Humane Society and McInerny Dog Park at 2700 Wai'alae Ave. are open 11 a.m.-7 p.m. weekdays, and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. weekends and holidays. For directions, special events and to see more pets available for adoption, see www.hawaiianhumane.org or call 946-2187. Call immediately to report lost or found animals, ext. 4.