Here are some articles about the frequent coexistence of pet abuse in domestic abuse. Given all the recent sad stories we've been hearing on the FML, I thought it was important to point out the potential connection. BIG, I hope you'll let this one get through. I worry about the health and welfare of women and/or children in these homes where ferrets have been abused! Quote from the 2nd article: "Ascione said 57 percent of women studied in a shelter said partners had harmed or killed their pets. When they were asked about threats as well, that number climbed to 71 percent." Animal cruelty: a sign of other abuse? http://www.cd.columbus.oh.us/news/newsfea2/nov97/anim1117.html Pets: Animals suffer domestic abuse, too http://www.detnews.com/1997/metlife/9711/05/11050030.htm AHA calls for investigation into animal/human abuse link http://www.avma.org/onlnews/javma/oct97/s101597b.htm - Megan -- Megan O'Shaughnessy, L.M.T., D.C. http://www.teleport.com/~megan/ "Progress in ethics is the only cure for progress in science." -- Dr. Freeman Dyson, quoting Haldane [Posted in FML issue 2461]