Expert: Animal abusers might be mentally ill

KLANG: Those who intentionally hurt animals may be suffering from serious mental health problems, says an expert.

Such acts of cruelty were “a manifestation of underlying anti-social or psychopathic personality traits”, said Malaysian Mental Health Association deputy president Datuk Dr Andrew Mohanraj.

“They are characterised by impulsive behaviour, selfishness and cruelty, but what stands out most is their lack of remorse,” he said.

He was commenting in light of news reports on animal abuse, most recent being a man in Labis who put his caged dog over a fire.

He was allegedly upset with it for chewing up shoes and had posted a video and pictures of the “punishment” on Facebook, but police later found that the man was only trying to frighten it.

An earlier case involved a man beating up a dog he claimed had caused him to fall off his bicycle.

Dr Andrew said some people get perverse pleasure from hurting animals and have the same traits as those who do the same to people.

When it’s not possible to be cruel to a person, some “channel their anger and impulsive behaviour at helpless animals”, he said.

He said parents could help their children to avoid developing such traits by encouraging them to be kind to animals, including strays.

This would assist in the positive development of a child’s personality, he said.

Authorities should not just take animal abusers to court, according to him.

“They should also send them for psychiatric evaluation,” he added.