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It's also illegal (and a felony) in most of the US. More importantly, though, Anonymous needs to both give the cat to a rescue that can rehab it, and get psychological help for themselves. Animal cruelty like this is a sign of a greater issue that may manifest as violence toward humans in the future, and will undoubtedly result in further violence toward animals.
– Allison C
Commented Oct 26, 2018 at 14:09
12

@YvetteColomb I'm afraid it's vital to draw blanket statements, because in this case the evidence is unambiguous. It's good that the OP recognises that their actions are wrong, but the evidence shows that this doesn't stop abusers of animals or people. Even formal programs to stop abuse have limited success. What makes an abuser safe is separating them from what they abuse, and preventing them from having continuous access in future. Which means, simply, that the OP should not keep this cat or any other pet. Every abuser says "but I'm different." They aren't.
– Graham
Commented Oct 28, 2018 at 17:44
8

@Graham - I'm sure you're probably right, but could you direct me to some of that evidence? I know that in some cases, popular ideas about criminal psychology and recidivism rates aren't always accurate (for instance, the popular belief in sex offenders universally reoffending may be wrong), so I'd just want to be sure that nearly all abusers fit the profile you're describing.
– Obie 2.0
Commented Oct 29, 2018 at 2:36
2

@Obie Sure. Domestic abuse is the best indicator, because no-one monitors violence against animals. The Welsh Senedd says that there isn't good data for success rates, because so many men drop out of courses. google.co.uk/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=http://…
– Graham
Commented Oct 29, 2018 at 8:03
2

@Obie And a review of evidence, whilst cautiously optimistic over some formal programmes for partner abuse, is pretty scathing about how badly many programmes are designed, run and monitored. google.co.uk/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://…
– Graham
Commented Oct 29, 2018 at 8:12

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