– In some cases that deal with family violence, animals can also be mistreated, points out Kari Nærum. In 2021, Norway got its own animal police. Nærum is an investigator in the animal crime group in the South-East police district. Investigator Kari Nærum says that some people do not have good enough expertise with their animals. Photo: South-East police district She says that the number of cases concerning animal welfare has increased in the police district. – It is permissible to correct the behavior of the animal, but it must be in line with what the animal has done. And it must be suitable for improving behaviour. We see this can get completely out of hand, says Nærum. Dog thrown from the terrace Last summer, a man is said to have beaten his dog and thrown it several meters from a terrace in Hole. The man in his 50s was sentenced in August this year to 15 days of suspended prison and a fine of NOK 5,000 for breaching the Animal Welfare Act and the Dogs Act. The man pleaded not guilty during the trial. He said he did it to raise the dog because it had run away. In 2021, the government reported that the establishment of animal police had led to fewer closed animal crime cases. The police see a connection between animal violence and family violence. Two kittens found in a litter box. Photo: Animal protection Norway – Psychological violence against children There are requirements for competence of animal owners in the Dog Act and the Animal Welfare Act. Åshild Roaldset is a veterinarian and general manager of Animal Protection Norway. She believes that animal violence in a family can affect children. Åshild Roaldset wants more deterrent punishments for animal cruelty. Photo: Marcel Leliënhof – In some cases of family violence, violence against animals can be psychological violence against children. But because the animal is not taken seriously, the child is not taken seriously either, Roaldset believes. Animal Protection is working to create interdisciplinary networks for violence against animals and violence in close relationships in Norway. Roaldset says that violence against animals, with the intention of punishing and harming another human being, should be punished according to the Criminal Code. – Today, the Animal Welfare Act has a lower penalty framework. But animal cruelty must be severely punished, Roaldset believes. Read Animal Protection Norway’s tips for good animal welfare at the bottom of the case. The rabbit was exposed to neglect and developed an eye disease. Photo: Animal Protection Norway – Wants more deterrent punishment Roaldset in Animal Protection Norway believes there may be large numbers of hidden cases of violence against animals. – Unfortunately, we still see that violence against animals is not taken seriously. In cases of suspicious death, the animal is often not autopsied but thrown away. We need knowledge about the type of violence that is perpetrated against animals and where this happens, says Roaldset. This cat was found burned and abused in 2021. Photo: Private Roaldset says that cats and rabbits in particular are exposed to abuse and neglect. She believes the most important measure is to introduce mandatory ID marking of animals, so that an animal owner can be held accountable. – We also want the punishment to be more deterrent. We still experience that many cases are dropped, even if the perpetrator is known, concludes Roaldset. Animal protection tips for good animal welfare Notify If you witness poor animal husbandry, you should report it. Everyone has a duty to notify the Norwegian Food Safety Authority. Submit tips on their website. If you contact Animal Protection Norway, report the conditions to the police. You can also contact the police directly. Documents Take pictures and videos. Submit information. Then it is easier to get into the matter. Speak up If you are in the situation where you can speak up to the owner, then it is a pleasant way to intervene. Advice on taking the dog on puppy training or giving the rabbit away to someone who can take care of it. Look after the animal first Before you get an animal you should try to look after it first. If you go to a shop or someone’s home to look at an animal, you quickly fall in love. It is important to be ready to be responsible for the animal in your own home.
ttn-69
Sees connection between family violence and animal violence – news Oslo and Viken – Local news, TV and radio
