Killing, torturing pets is grim hallmark of domestic abuse amid pandemic
In two local cases, men were accused of beating their girlfriends and killing pets, which domestic abuse experts say is another form of control. Author: John Hogan Updated: 6:26 PM EST February 16, 2021
A Grand Rapids man has been sentenced to prison for killing a kitten during a violent June outburst, while a Kentwood man is in jail, accused in the December death of a puppy thrown against a wall.
But animals weren’t the only casualties. In both cases, girlfriends also were attacked.
It is a disturbing component of domestic assault cases in which beloved pets are targeted, local officials say.