The Relationship Between Wildlife Aggression and Intimate Partner Violence Perpetration

Previous research demonstrates a link between companion animal abuse and intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetration, yet no study has examined the relationship between wildlife aggression and IPV. The present study examined associations between intentionally harming and killing wildlife and physical, sexual, psychological, and severe IPV perpetration. Using anonymous survey data from 1,485 participants, frequencies of wildlife aggression and type of animals harmed were run. Additionally, unadjusted odds ratios were used to examine the associations between wildlife aggression and IPV. The motivations (e.g., cruelty reasons compared with non-cruelty reasons) were also examined. The most frequently harmed animals were squirrels, birds, and stray cats. Those who intentionally harmed or killed wildlife had higher prevalence of all types of IPV perpetration compared with those who did not harm or kill wildlife. Harming wildlife was associated with a 1,248% increase in any type of IPV perpetration, and killing wildlife was associated with a 1,021% increase in any type of IPV perpetration. Significant associations were identified across all types of IPV perpetration. The results of the study suggest that wildlife aggression may represent an overlooked risk marker for IPV perpetration. Continued research on the link between harming wildlife and interpersonal violence is needed.