Cruelty, killings are connected

In reading your article regarding the tragic killing of innocent people by Devon Patrick Kelley in Texas, whose history included a conviction on an animal cruelty citation in 2014, I was reminded of many other examples of these types of individuals.

Evidence of the connection between animal cruelty and human violence is everywhere.

Studies in psychology, sociology and criminology clearly show that violent offenders frequently have childhood and adolescent histories of cruelty toward animals.

The FBI has used this correlation for years in profiling serial killers.

Recent research also shows that animal cruelty often occurs in tandem with family violence — child abuse, spouse abuse and elder abuse.

We have a great Metro Police Animal Cruelty Unit here in Las Vegas, which works hand in hand with Animal Control on the many cruelty cases it is faced with. Many of the cases this unit received also involved situations of domestic violence. It is not uncommon for the abuser to control victims by hurting or threatening to kill their pet.

It is up to us as a responsible community to do our part and make the call when we become aware of animal abuse. A call to Metro or Animal Control may very well reveal other abuses. Speaking out will make our community a better place to live.

We deserve it, and the animals and people who suffer do as well. Linda Faso, Las Vegas