Animal abuse: What we know, what we can do, and what we need to know

In this chapter we synthesise key points from across the chapters and highlight what the evidence tells us about psychological risk factors for animal abuse and ‘The Link’ between animal abuse and other forms of abuse. We highlight emerging trends in animal abuse and prevention interventions for animal abuse cases. We also consider research gaps and future directions for research and practice. In a final case study, we invite you to use your knowledge of animal abuse to consider who is at risk and how you might intervene from different professional perspectives. The case is complex, as real-life cases of animal abuse often are, and we encourage you to see the necessity of partnership work to ensure that all involved are protected and supported, and to recognise the actions that you can take to protect the people and animals involved.