WASHINGTON—It’s a story too often heard—a horrifying tale of a beloved pet brutalized in retaliation for a domestic dispute or victimized as part of a pattern of criminal behavior. Animal cruelty and its connection to human violence are well documented by animal protection organizations and law enforcement agencies—including the FBI. The information about animal cruelty is out there, but what can the average citizen do about it? A lot, says The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS).

The HSUS, as a part of its First Strike® program, will hold its annual Animal Cruelty/Human Violence Awareness Week, April 13-19. Now in its third year, this week draws attention to combating animal cruelty by empowering communities to create safer neighborhoods for animals and people alike.

One way to make a difference is to start a Neighborhood Watch for Animals program in your community. Whether it is incorporating animals into existing Neighborhood Crime Watch programs, or starting a program from scratch, all you need to do is ask residents to be on the look out for signs that animals are being abused.

According to Virginia M. Prevas, manager of the First Strike program, pets and other animals are not the only innocent victims who need protection. Animal cruelty is an issue that affects everyone. She notes, “Where there is animal cruelty, you are likely to find other forms of abuse such as spousal abuse, child abuse or elder abuse.”

The HSUS First Strike program has shed light on the violence connection since 1997. For the past three years, The HSUS has been tracking reports of high-profile animal cruelty cases from around the country. The database of more than 1,600 cases compiled each year is only a snapshot of the problem of animal cruelty in the United States, but demonstrates the need for heightened awareness of the problem and proactive measures to combat it.

The HSUS has the following free materials available to get people started on a Neighborhood Watch for Animals:

* Neighborhood Watch for Animals-- Information sheet on what you should know about animals in your community and how to be a more observant neighbor.

* Wallet cards to have emergency numbers always handy in case you need to report animal cruelty.

* Information on The HSUS First Strike program and about the connection between animal cruelty and human violence.

“Public involvement is the key to stopping animal cruelty,” Prevas said. “Anyone can make a difference without risking his or her safety. If you know animals are being abused, report it to local law enforcement or animal control. If you know that a victim of domestic abuse is afraid to leave a violent environment for fear of endangering her pets, contact local animal shelters to find out if they can provide safe haven for the pets until she can reunite with them.”

The HSUS has documented cases where intervention could have made a difference in an animal’s life. Prevas points to a South Carolina case in which two pets were left to starve to death in an apartment when their owner moved out. “Several neighbors heard the dogs barking for weeks and never saw the owner present at home or anyone taking care of them. If they had called the animal control department, those dogs might have been saved and may be living in new homes today,” she said.

In 41 states and the District of Columbia, certain types of animal cruelty are felony crimes. Do you know what the laws on animal cruelty are in your state? Be a voice for stricter laws and stronger penalties on animal cruelty. Contact your local, state and federal political officials and let them know animal cruelty will not be tolerated in your community.

You can read the 2002 Report of Animal Cruelty Cases and Neighborhood Watch for Animals tip sheet on The HSUS Web site at www.hsus.org/firststrike. To receive a free copy of the report, tip sheets, emergency wallet card, or First Strike information kit, e-mail The HSUS at firststrike@hsus.org and include your mailing address. You can also call First Strike toll free at 1-888-213-0956. For more information on Neighborhood Crime Watch programs, go to www.ncpc.org.