The American Humane Association is looking for a federal resolution acknowledging September as “National Link Awareness Month.” The Link being referred to is the connection between animal abuse and other violent crimes.

Here’s the piece from the PRNewswire today.

DENVER -- In 1894, the American Humane Association first noted a connection between animal abuse and other forms of societal violence. More than 100 years later, this connection -- which American Humane now calls The Link -- is internationally recognized. Yet so much more must be done to address The Link’s tragic impact on victims of abuse.

With the support of U.S. Rep. Susan Davis (D-Calif.), American Humane’s Office of Public Policy recently introduced House Resolution 1046 to designate September 2008 as “National Link Awareness Month.” Davis is a strong advocate for children and animals, and is a longstanding member of the bipartisan Congressional Friends of Animals Caucus. The resolution is currently pending before the House Agriculture and Judiciary Committees with 19 co-sponsors, and American Humane is working with Davis to move the resolution to a House vote soon.

In her March 13, 2008 statement before House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Davis emphasized the resolution’s importance. She stated, “This resolution would highlight the need for more attention and resources to be focused on how violence toward animals is indicative of other violent tendencies. By investigating The Link further, information could be gathered that will help mitigate societal violence.”

Earlier this year, in anticipation of the bill’s introduction and with the support of Reps. Diana DeGette (D-Colo.), Christopher Shays (R-Conn.) and the late Tom Lantos (D-Calif.), as well as U.S. Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.), American Humane held a congressional briefing in the Rayburn House Office Building. Speakers on The Link included Dr. Frank Ascione, Utah State University professor of psychology and an adjunct professor for American Humane; Phil Arkow, American Humane interim director of human-animal bond programs; and American Humane’s director of public policy, Allie Phillips, J.D.

Phillips recognizes the positive impact Congress’ interest in the issue could have. She noted, “The Link is typically addressed at the state and local levels. The fact that key congressional leaders are now committing themselves to addressing The Link is a promising step toward future action and increased exposure for the issue.”

American Humane is the only national humane organization with divisions for protecting both children and animals from abuse, neglect and exploitation. Addressing The Link between violence to people and violence to animals is integral to the organization’s mission. For this reason, American Humane facilitates workshops to build collaboration on The Link among human services, animal protection, public safety and law enforcement professionals.

American Humane also operates the National Resource Center on The Link, provides professional training at national conferences, publishes resources and training guides, and advocates for the passage of legislation that includes pets in domestic violence protective orders.

Marie Belew Wheatley, American Humane’s president and chief executive officer, strongly encourages the House of Representatives to pass HR 1046. She said, “As America’s leader on The Link between animal cruelty and interpersonal violence, American Humane enthusiastically embraces Congress’ interest and looks forward to further collaboration on this issue.”