Why Do People Harm Animals? The Psychology of Power, Control, and Trauma

Animal cruelty is a deeply unsettling behavior that often raises questions about the mental state of those who engage in it. You may have heard stories about children harming animals or seen news reports about cases of animal abuse, and wondered: what drives someone to act this way? In psychology, animal cruelty is frequently discussed in connection with Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD), a condition characterized by a lack of empathy, disregard for rules, and a tendency toward manipulative or harmful behavior. But is animal cruelty a cause of ASPD, or is it a symptom of something deeper? Let’s explore this complex topic, break down the psychological mechanisms at play, and look at what research tells us.

What Is Antisocial Personality Disorder?

To understand the link between animal cruelty and ASPD, it’s helpful to first grasp what ASPD is. People with ASPD often display a pattern of behaviors that disregard the rights of others. This can include lying, manipulating, acting impulsively, or even engaging in criminal activity without remorse. ASPD typically emerges in adulthood, but its roots often trace back to childhood or adolescence, where behaviors like aggression, rule-breaking, or cruelty may appear as part of Conduct Disorder (CD).

Conduct Disorder is a diagnosis given to children or teens who show persistent patterns of behavior that violate social norms or the rights of others—think bullying, stealing, or, in some cases, harming animals. Since CD is a common precursor to ASPD, psychologists often look at childhood behaviors to identify early warning signs.

Animal Cruelty as a Red Flag

Animal cruelty is one of those warning signs, and it’s often chilling to think about. When a child or teenager deliberately harms an animal—especially repeatedly and without guilt—it can signal underlying emotional or psychological issues. But here’s the key: animal cruelty doesn’t cause ASPD. Instead, it’s considered a symptom of deeper problems, like a lack of empathy, poor impulse control, or a need for power and control.

Why animals? Animals are vulnerable, often defenseless, and unable to retaliate, which makes them potential targets for someone struggling with these traits. For some individuals, harming animals may be a way to express anger, assert dominance, or cope with feelings of powerlessness. In rare cases, it can even act as a kind of “practice” for later violence against people, a concept psychologists refer to as “desensitization to violence.”

The Psychological Mechanisms at Play

So, what’s happening in the mind of someone who engages in animal cruelty? Let’s break it down:

• Lack of Empathy: Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others, including animals. In individuals with developing antisocial traits, this capacity is often impaired. They may not feel the pain or fear of the animal they’re harming, or they may feel indifferent to it. This lack of emotional connection is a hallmark of both CD and ASPD.
• Desensitization to Violence: Engaging in cruelty, especially repeatedly, can dull a person’s emotional response to suffering. Over time, this can make it easier to escalate to more severe forms of aggression, including against humans. This is why animal cruelty is sometimes described as an “emotional rehearsal” for further harmful behaviors.
• Control and Power: For some, harming animals is about exerting control. This can be especially true for children or teens who feel powerless in other areas of their lives, such as those with histories of trauma or unstable home environments. Hurting an animal might give them a temporary sense of dominance or agency.
• Sadistic Traits: In rare cases, animal cruelty may reflect sadistic tendencies, where someone derives pleasure from causing pain. This is a particularly concerning sign, as it can indicate a more severe form of psychopathology.

What Does the Research Say?

While there’s no single study that definitively explains the link between animal cruelty and ASPD, several key findings help us understand it better. For example, a 1997 study by Frank Ascione, a psychologist who has extensively researched animal cruelty, found that children who abuse animals are more likely to have experienced trauma, such as physical or sexual abuse, themselves. This suggests that animal cruelty might be a way of externalizing pain or coping with unresolved trauma.

Another important piece of research comes from the “MacDonald Triad,” a concept introduced in the 1960s by psychiatrist J.M. MacDonald. This triad proposed that three behaviors—animal cruelty, fire-setting, and bed-wetting (enuresis)—were early indicators of future violent behavior. While the MacDonald Triad has been criticized for oversimplifying complex behaviors, animal cruelty remains a widely recognized red flag in psychological assessments.

More recent studies, like those published in journals such as Child Abuse & Neglect, have shown a correlation between childhood animal cruelty and later aggressive or antisocial behaviors. For instance, a 2008 study by Jesse Miller and colleagues found that children with Conduct Disorder who engaged in animal cruelty were more likely to show persistent antisocial behaviors into adulthood compared to those who didn’t.

It’s worth noting that not every child who harms an animal will develop ASPD. Many factors, including environment, parenting, and early intervention, play a role in shaping a child’s trajectory. This is why animal cruelty is seen as a warning sign rather than a definitive predictor.

Why This Matters

The connection between animal cruelty and ASPD isn’t just academic—it has real-world implications. Recognizing these behaviors early can open the door to interventions that might prevent more serious issues later. For example, therapy focused on building empathy, managing anger, or addressing trauma can make a significant difference for a child showing these behaviors. Programs like animal-assisted therapy, where children interact with animals in a structured and supportive way, have also shown promise in fostering empathy and emotional regulation.

From a broader perspective, understanding this link highlights the importance of taking animal cruelty seriously. It’s not “just” about animals—it’s about identifying patterns that could lead to harm for both animals and people. By addressing these behaviors early, we can potentially interrupt the path to more severe psychological issues.

A Fascinating Psychological Angle: The Role of Attachment

One intriguing angle in this discussion comes from attachment theory, which explores how early relationships with caregivers shape emotional development. Children with insecure or disrupted attachments—often due to neglect, abuse, or inconsistent parenting—may struggle to form healthy emotional bonds, including with animals. This can manifest as cruelty, as they may not see animals (or people) as deserving of care or respect. This perspective underscores how deeply our early experiences shape the way we relate to the world around us.

What Can Be Done?

If animal cruelty is a symptom, not a cause, the focus should be on addressing the underlying issues. Here are a few steps that can help:

• Early Intervention: If a child is caught harming animals, it’s critical to involve mental health professionals. Therapy can help uncover the root causes, whether it’s trauma, anger, or a lack of empathy.
• Education and Awareness: Teaching children about empathy and the ethical treatment of animals can prevent these behaviors from developing in the first place.
• Support for Families: Since family dynamics often play a role, providing support for parents and caregivers can create a more stable environment for the child.
• Community Vigilance: Teachers, neighbors, and community members can play a role by reporting concerning behaviors and advocating for intervention.

Final Thoughts

Animal cruelty is a troubling behavior that often points to deeper psychological issues, particularly when seen in children or teens. While it doesn’t directly cause Antisocial Personality Disorder, it’s a significant red flag that something may be wrong—whether it’s a lack of empathy, unresolved trauma, or a need for control. By understanding the psychological mechanisms behind it and taking it seriously, we can intervene early and potentially change the trajectory of someone’s life. The research may not have all the answers yet, but it’s clear that this is a topic worth paying attention to, not just for the sake of animals, but for the well-being of individuals and society as a whole.

If you’re curious to learn more, check out studies by Frank Ascione or explore resources on Conduct Disorder and ASPD in psychological journals like Child Abuse & Neglect or Journal of Abnormal Psychology. These offer a deeper dive into the data and theories behind this complex issue.