The prevalence and nature of animal maltreatment in young people referred to a community forensic CAMHS: a service evaluation

Purpose Animal maltreatment is a common and troubling societal issue. Thus, professionals have an ethical duty to identify, and report encountered animal welfare concerns. Young people who mistreat animals may have elevated future risks of interpersonal violence and benefit from support. Therefore, the purpose of this evaluation was to understand the prevalence, nature and professional response to animal maltreatment concerns encountered by Forensic Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (FCAMHS). Design/methodology/approach Referrals over a 28-month period received by an FCAMHS were reviewed for animal maltreatment concerns. These were documented and described, and any associations with the characteristics of the referral source of the young people were tested for. Where maltreatment concerns were documented the subsequent consultation report/advice letters were reviewed and the recommendations described. Findings Forty-nine (18.77%) of the 261 referrals indicated the presence of animal maltreatment concerns. The most common animal involved were dogs (n = 27). Advice relating to animal maltreatment was included in 20 (40.82%) of the consultation reports/advice letters. Animal maltreatment concerns were statistically significantly associated with younger age of the individual at referral (p < 0.005), but not other characteristics. Practical implications Professionals working in FCAMHS need to remain aware of animal maltreatment and ensure that appropriate actions are taken by professionals in response. Originality/value This evaluation is the first of its kind to describe the nature and prevalence of animal maltreatment concerns in young people referred to FCAMHS.