Understanding cruelty to animals
Children and animals, especially pets, can form strong, positive bonds that bring joy and companionship into their lives. But sometimes, these relationships aren’t as harmonious as they could be. Some children and young people may display concerning behaviours towards animals, which can be distressing to witness or address.
Why are children and young people sometimes cruel to animals?
What drives this behaviour? The reasons can vary widely, from a simple lack of understanding about how to care for animals, to more complex challenges like mental health issues. Whatever the cause, addressing these behaviours through education and seeking support is vital for improving outcomes for both the young person and the animal involved.
At the RSPCA, we’ve worked to better understand these behaviours by commissioning research with Edinburgh University and Manchester Metropolitan University. Additionally, we’ve consulted youth offending teams to gain insights into their work with young people who have harmed animals. While some of this research dates back over 20 years, the findings remain relevant today and continue to inform our approach.
Understanding the causes of animal cruelty
Our research has identified a range of motivations and causes for animal harm. These include:
- Self harm
- Substance misuse
- Victims of crime
- Truancy
- Impulsive behaviour
- Low self-esteem
- Learned behaviour
- Jealousy
- Retaliation
- Fun
- Dislike the animal
- Curiosity
- Literacy issues
- Peer pressure/need to conform
- Lack of awareness of the harm caused
- Feelings of shame after the harm
- Unable to explain their behaviour
- Can’t see connections between their behaviour and others
Understanding animal behaviour
One common cause of harm is a poor understanding of animal behaviour, particularly when it comes to showing affection.
For example, hugging is a natural way for humans to show love and care, but for many animals, this can feel uncomfortable or even threatening. Hugging isn’t a behaviour they naturally understand, and while some pets may tolerate it, it’s often not something they enjoy.
This can be confusing for children, who may see the animal’s reaction as rejection or continue trying to show affection in ways that feel natural to them. Educating children and young people about animal behaviour—especially body language—is an effective way to foster better relationships. By learning how animals communicate and what makes them feel safe and loved, we can help young people build more positive, empathetic connections with animals.