SAN ANTONIO -- It's hard to believe an animal could be the target of violence. But experts say along with women and children, cats and dogs often get abused in acts of jealous revenge.
Sallie Scott, President of Friends of Animal Care Services, tells KENS 5 "American Humane Association started a program called link. They saw the link between animal abuse, child abuse, and family violence," Said Scott, "It's very evident in all their studies."
The link Scott adds is in almost 100% of abuse cases and she says animal abuse is becoming more prevalent by the day.
Gerald Davison was arrested Thursday afternoon for allegedly beating and paralyzing his wife's dog.
Police say Davison smashed the dog against the wall and bathtub until friends intervened and rushed the 5-year-old Schnauzer to a hospital.
"Pets are used as a way to control the victim a lot of times. We've had those where the abusers killed the pet. Others threatened to kill the pet," Said Laura Fronzaglio with Battered Women's Shelter.
Battered Women's Shelters are now making their facilities available not only to women but also to their pets.
"We are assessing the need not just for humans who are here but pets to make sure they are well taken care of when they are here," Fronzaglio said.
Men aren't the only ones abusing animals.
"Often abuse is done by children because they are being abused. Because the only thing they have control over is an animal."
Scott tells KENS 5 that there is a new bill that would allow judges to put pets in protective orders with women.
"When you see animal abuse, look further. There is something else going on in that household," Said Scott,'
"There is either elderly abuse, a child is abusing a pet because they were abused or a woman being battered."
