NEWS RELEASE/MEDIA ADVISORY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Todd Hallidy

Phone: (302) 577-8314

Date: June 15, 2001

WORKSHOP TO EXPLORE TREATMENT FOR ANIMAL ABUSERS

(Camden, DE) - The Kent County SPCA will host a workshop Tuesday (June 19^th) to provide specialized training to mental health professionals who treat animal abusers. The workshop, entitled The Anicare Model of Treatment for Animal Abuse, will also give attendees an understanding of the relationship between animal abuse and violence against people. Featured presentations will be given by Mary Lou Randour, Ph.D., the Director of the "Beyond Violence" project operated jointly by the Doris Day Animal Foundation and Psychologists for the Ethical Treatment of Animals; and Kenneth Shapiro, Ph.D., the co-founder and Director of Psychologists for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.

In Delaware and other states, courts are being given more latitude to require psychological testing for individuals convicted of animal cruelty. This workshop is designed to prepare mental health professionals to treat these offenders. The Anicare model is based on a similar approach to treatment for domestic violence perpetrators. Workshop participants will get "hands on" practice making clinical assessments using Anicare questionnaires and will learn clinical exercises that stress accountability and empathy. About 30 clinicians are registered to attend the conference.

The growing body of evidence that documents the link between violence against animals and humans led to the creation of Attorney General M. Jane Brady's Task Force on Animal Cruelty and Interpersonal Violence in 1999.

According to Attorney General Brady, "Abuse of animals can be both a precursor to violence against humans, or a symptom of violence against people that has already occurred. The Task Force report that was released this spring found a need for further training in several investigative and social service disciplines that have contact with animal abuse related cases. I am pleased the Kent County SPCA has taken a leading role in this cooperative endeavor."

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EDITORS: The workshop will run from 9:00 am until 2:00 pm. The best interview opportunities are just prior to the opening, during the mid-morning break, or during the lunch/networking break. The workshop will take place at Kent County SPCA headquarters, 32 Shelter Circle, Camden. Your on-site contact is Mary Ann D'Amato, with the KCSPCA.