Mutual interdependence and intersection between animal abuse and interpersonal human violence is demonstrated by empirical research across disciplines (Rojas,2022;Munro & Thrusfield, 2001;McGuinness et. al., 2005;Simmons & Lehmann, 2007;Walton-Moss et al., 2005;Newberry, 2017;Benetato et. al., 2011). Animals are frequently harmed or threatened as tools of coercion, intimidation, and control, and early exposure to animal cruelty correlates with later violent behaviour (Ascione, 1998; DeGue & DiLillo, 2009; Flynn, 2012). Such environments are associated with repeated injury, chronic stress, and compromised welfare outcomes for animals.

This study, using an interdisciplinary, analytical and comparative approach, examines the intersection of human violence and animal abuse through a One Welfare lens (FAO & WOAH and UNODC guidance), treating law as tool/governance mechanism that can enable or hinder animal welfare protection, connecting behavioural and physiological indicators with systematic intervention and providing better protection of animals. The study seeks to address how do existing legal and institutional frameworks recognise animal abuse occurring in violent human environments, and how can they be structured to improve early detection, prevention, and welfare outcomes for animals, building on earlier studies? Studying selected jurisdictions of the United States (mandatory cross-reporting statutes and pet protection orders), the United Kingdom (Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Act, 2021), and India (Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 and domestic violence law/ constitutional provisions), the study highlights that despite recognition of the scientific correlation between human violence and animal abuse, law across jurisdictions fails to incorporate appropriate and practical interventions such as mandatory cross-reporting through Veterinarians and ethologists, protective measures for companion animals in domestic violence cases, and the incorporation of animal-assisted interventions, affecting welfare. The study also identifies repeated unexplained injuries, chronic stress markers (fear, hypervigilance, withdrawal) and abnormal aggression or learned helplessness due to such intersection and need for including human violence and animal abuse as important parameter, particularly by animal welfare scientists.