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The "Link" - Animal Abuse and Domestic Violence
Numbers
I like numbers. I always have. In college, I tutored my peers in math and accounting. I enjoyed a ten-year career in banking analyzing P&L statements and tax returns. I own and operate two businesses. I reconcile my bank statements each month. I serve on the Budget Committee. I am a probability theorist. If you want to convince me of something, the formula is pretty simple: show me the data.
The Link
A study conducted in 2018 by the FBI Behavioral Science Unit looked at 259 active animal cruelty cases. It found that 59.9% of offenders studied "had been arrested for interpersonal violence prior, concurrent and/or post the active animal cruelty incident." This suggests those who commit violence against animals are more likely to commit violence against other people. Decades-old studies support this finding. A 2017 study found that 89% of women studied who had companion animals during an abusive relationship reported their animals were either threatened, harmed or even killed by their abusive partner (Animal Legal Defense Fund, est.1979). Pet abuse is one of four predictors of domestic abuse. The studies are endless.
These peer-reviewed, academic studies reveal some big numbers, and those numbers tell a disturbing story. It is high time we paid more attention to what they are saying.
Red Flag
These numbers show that if animal abuse is occurring in a home, we should take this as a major red flag that other abuse could be happening. It should alert us to investigate more thoroughly if a situation is unsafe for people living in that home. We cannot afford to sit this one out, or allow abuses to slip through the cracks. That is why I am co-sponsoring a bipartisan ordinance* that, if passed, would address the link between animal abuse and domestic violence, particularly interpersonal violence.
*When you access the [ordinance], the most recent version is generally listed as #1 in the attachments section. Also, more studies are cited in the ordinance itself.
The Proposed Ordinance
This ordinance would require officers investigating allegations of animal abuse to determine if there is "a reasonable suspicion of interpersonal violence and, if found, report such violence," in accordance with state law. LMPD and Louisville Metro Animal Services (LMAS) would collaborate when applicable. For example, if a LMAS officer could not determine if there were potential for interpersonal violence, they would notify LMPD of the need for further investigation.
The ordinance also includes a program for removing an animal from a dangerous situation. LMAS would house pets free of charge when a domestic violence victim is seeking safe housing, with a 90 day window for the victim to reclaim their pet, "unless good cause is shown by the party utilizing LMAS services." After 90 days, the pet could be put up for adoption. If animal abuse is committed in the presence of a child (under 16 years of age), the perpetrator shall, in addition to the criminal offense, be guilty of a civil offense and subject to a civil penalty with a fine up to $500.
The ordinance would also mandate training for LMPD officers and LMAS employees on the link between animal abuse and domestic abuse. These are just some of the initiatives contained within the proposed ordinance. Click here for the ordinance.
Next Steps
The ordinance is on the agenda (item number 3) to be discussed at the Public Safety Committee meeting on October 6th. If approved, it will go to full Council on October 14th.
More Resources
A WFPL story discussing the ordinance
The Kentucky Link Coalition
COUNCIL MEETING REMINDERS:
All Metro Council meetings are carried live on Metro TV, Spectrum Cable Channel 184 and U-verse Channel 99.
The meetings are also available online at the Metro Council home page at http://louisvilleky.gov/government/metro-council/metro-council-clerk. (Click here and click on the “Watch Meetings Online” button.)
TO ACCESS MEETINGS THROUGH FACEBOOK: CLICK HERE
Please sign up to volunteer for the District 7 clean up event at Cox Park on October 16th at 10:00 am.
I will be supplying water, so volunteers do not need to bring their own unless they want to. Volunteers will be meeting at the pavilion near the parking lot to pick up provided supplies.
Please email logan.fogle@louisvilleky.gov or call the District 7 office at 574-1107 to sign up. We have already heard from different groups interested in volunteering, and I'm looking forward to seeing everyone!
Recent events such as the tragic and senseless killing of Tyree Smith have once again focused our attention on the problem of gun violence in Louisville. People have asked what they can do to help. A good starting point is the Ambassador Program of the Office for Safe and Healthy Neighborhoods.
The Ambassador Program offers trainings in the CDC Public Health Approach to Violence, Community Organizing, Introduction to Mental Health First Aid, Suicide Prevention and Conflict Resolution. These Ambassador Institutes happen every other month for a half-day and offer each of the mentioned trainings.
These trainings are for people of all ages and for people of all walks of life. It will take everybody in Louisville to heal Louisville. It is only when we are all working toward a solution to the ills plaguing society that we will see progress. A brighter day can come out of this darkness, but it will take all of us.
Click here for more information on the Ambassador Program.
"It always seems impossible until it is done."
-Nelson Mandela
COVID-19 vaccine boosters are now available for the following Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine recipients who completed their initial series at least 6 months ago:
Find the latest information on COVID vaccine booster doses here.
Initial vaccines are available for everyone 12 and older - and getting everyone vaccinated is the key to bringing this pandemic under control. All of the data on vaccination rates in Louisville is here: Louisville COVID-19 Resource Center | LouisvilleKY.gov. To reduce infections, hospitalizations and deaths, and get our economy moving, it's imperative that vaccination rates, including first and second shots, increase.
The best way to access vaccines is at the website https://www.vaccines.gov/. Enter your zip code and vaccine sites near you will appear. You’ll find links to click and numbers to call.
For residents who don’t have access to technology or have difficulty using an online process, the staff at Louisville Metro’s COVID-19 Helpline, (502) 912-8598, can assist with scheduling an appointment.
To stay informed on vaccine efforts in Louisville, including pop-up clinics all over town, click here.
Here are the key COVID-19 data metrics for September 28, 2021 (Louisville):
- Louisville remains in the red alert level with a daily incidence rate of 47.8 cases per 100,000.
- There were 2,566 new cases over the previous week.
- There were 14 additional deaths over the previous week. The ages of those individuals ranged from 31 to 94.
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Individuals 20 -44 are continuing to experience the highest number of cases followed by those who are 0-19.
Hospitalization data:
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247 patients currently hospitalized have COVID-19.
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69 patients in ICU with COVID-19.
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47 COVID-19 patients on ventilators.
Vaccines
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63.5% of Louisville residents have received at least one dose of the vaccine.
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55.4% have completed the vaccine series.
To view this week's COVID briefing with public health officials CLICK HERE. For COVID-19 testing sites CLICK HERE.
Kentucky Numbers - As of September 27:
Eleven Kentucky counties have reached the milestone of at least 60% of residents receiving at least their first dose: Anderson, Boone, Boyle, Campbell, Fayette, Franklin, Jefferson, Kenton, Perry, Scott and Woodford.
Sept. 25, Cases: 3,171
Sept. 25, Deaths: 37
Sept. 26, Cases: 1,563
Sept. 26, Deaths: 31
New Cases Today: 1,729
New Deaths: 19
Today’s Positivity Rate: 10.55%
Current Hospitalizations: 2,045
Current Intensive Care Admittances: 617
Currently on Ventilators: 399
Louisville Metro Animal Services (LMAS) takes in around 8,000 animals every year. With so many animals coming in, demand can at times be very high for workers. Without volunteers, the animals in need of shelter would have very limited human interaction during their time with LMAS. Volunteers can help with this, and make life more enjoyable and less stressful for the animals during their time of transition. Consider being an LMAS volunteer!
Click here for more information.
As we navigate jobs coming back as things open up, it is becoming clear we are now in a seeker's market. This is giving people options in terms of what their next steps will be. On October 5th, job seekers have the opportunity to explore their options at the JobNewsUSA.com Louisville Job Fair. There will be multiple industries present and hundreds of new job opportunities. After the pandemic caused much economic and personal hardship for so many, this is a chance to get out and explore new things.
This event will have free parking and admission, but attendees are still encouraged to pre-register. The event will be October 5th at 10 am., and held at Cardinal Stadium.
Click here for more information.
Article discussing hiring in Kentucky.
Looking for a new job? MV Transportation has increased their starting pay to $17 an hour for TARC3 drivers. There is also a $1,000 sign-on bonus. Full-time & part-time positions are available. Applicants can submit their applications here.
The Louisville Metro Government has numerous departments to assist citizens on a wide variety of issues. These departments have direct phone numbers to call in order to get in touch with them. If you have general inquiries for certain departments, or need assistance in a particular area, check out this list of city departments. Of course, you are always welcome to call or email my office for assistance. We are here to serve!
The city of Woodlawn Park is having its fall city-wide junk collection on October 23rd. Make sure to have all items on the curb by 7 am.
As a way of providing some community celebration, the City of Windy Hills has invited food trucks once each month on Monday evenings. Sojourn Community Church has graciously allowed us to use their parking lot at 2501 Rudy Lane.
On Monday, October 4th, Boss Hog’s BBQ will be here from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm. Please socially distance as you purchase your meal. No on-site dining.
This concludes the city's Food Truck Mondays. We hope you have enjoyed these opportunities!
WALK THE MAC is the Mellwood Art Center’s new premier monthly event. Resident artists and makers, along with the Mellwood Antiques and Interiors welcome all with live music, performance art, a community art collaboration, truly unique guest artists and collectible cars. Mellwood guarantees plenty of food and drinks on the 40-acre campus, boasting the largest antique mall in the region. The next Walk the MAC event is Sunday, October 3rd from 11 am to 5 pm.
Click here for more information.
Taco & margarita lovers can savor different flavors of margaritas and enjoy a variety of tacos, nachos and other related food items. A mimosa bar and full service bar will also be available. Live music & local vendors will be on site to create a fun experience for all guests!
General admission tickets start at $10. Kids under 12 years old are free. For an enhanced experience, two VIP packages are available; the Gold VIP package includes one t-shirt, four tacos, four margaritas and an exclusive seated area in Lynn Family Stadium's Fifth Third Club. The Silver VIP package includes one t-shirt, two tacos, two margaritas and a special seated area in the Beer Garden.
Click here for ticket information.
The Jack O'Lantern Spectacular returns for 2021, running from September 30th-October 31st. Get out and enjoy this AMAZING walking path at Iroquois Park. This Louisville event, celebrating its 9th year in 2021, has 5,000 carved pumpkins illuminated at night as an “art show."
The show runs daily from dusk to 11 PM, weekdays (Sunday-Thursday), and closes at midnight on Friday & Saturday.
- Nightly illumination
- Entertainment for the whole family
- 5,000+ illuminated pumpkins with more than 100 pumpkins carved into works of art
- Presented with music
Click here for more information.
Louisville City FC is winding down their season with just a handful of home games remaining. This Sunday, October 3rd at 3 pm, they take on New Mexico United. The match will be available on ESPN2. The club is coming off a 1-1 draw against Atlanta United 2. Louisville City is currently 14-5-7 on the year. They need just one more win to clinch a spot in the USL playoffs. In other words, they need the fans to come out and get LOUD!
Click here for tickets.
The Louisville Coalition on the History of the Enslaved is committed to telling the stories of those who were historically silenced. An upcoming event hopes to shed light on the stories of those who were enslaved in and around Louisville. Shifting the Narrative begins on Friday, October 22nd at Historic Locust Grove with a new tour titled Unfolding the Story, presented by actors from the viewpoint of the enslaved community. The event continues Friday evening with a campfire discussion led by Joe McGill at Oxmoor Farm around their remaining slave dwellings. Mr. McGill will be camping out in one of the dwellings and participants can choose to join him and camp around the dwellings for an additional fee. There are limited tickets for this portion of the weekend.
Saturday's programming kicks off at Farmington Historic Plantation with a public conversation about how and why historic sites need to shift narratives during tours to include an honest representation of the enslaved. Joe McGill leads an expert panel of representatives from each Coalition site while NPR contributor Dan Gediman, whose recent podcast The Reckoning helped focus the spotlight on Kentucky's history of enslavement, serves as moderator. The weekend concludes on Saturday afternoon at Riverside: the Farnsley-Moremen Landing with Slave Dwelling Project living history presentations. Jerome Bias will lead a cooking demonstration in the detached kitchen with food tasting opportunities. Rodney Prioleau will demonstrate the craft of brick making, a skill many enslaved individuals practiced. Ticket holders can also tour the Farnsley-Moremen House and interact with archaeologists from the Kentucky Archaeology Survey who have been investigating the lives of the people enslaved at Riverside for almost two decades.
Click here for more information and tickets.
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The naturalization process is one in which an individual is attempting to become a US citizen. There are certain parameters an applicant must meet in order to begin the process. As the individual winds through the naturalization process, they must pass a civics test during an interview with a US Citizen and Immigration Services Officer (USCIS). The civics test is an oral test and a USCIS Officer will ask the applicant up to 10 of 100 possible civics questions. An applicant must answer 6 out of 10 questions correctly to pass the civics portion of the naturalization test.
Ten (history and government) questions for the naturalization test are listed below.
If someone passes their civics exam (which follows an English test) and everything goes smoothly with their interview, they will receive a form that says (1) that they appeared for the interview; and, (2) that their application has been recommended for approval. Following their interview, if it was successful, comes a naturalization ceremony. Naturalization ceremonies are public events in which people from all over the world officially become US citizens. New citizens take the Oath of Allegiance to the United States. These ceremonies can be very emotional.
See if you can get six of these questions correct!
1) What is the Supreme Law of the Land? (Hint, it is a document)
2) What is an amendment?
3) When was the Constitution written?
4) What territory did the United States buy from France in 1803?
5) Who was the president during World War 1?
6) Name one of the two longest rivers in the US.
7) Name one US territory.
8) What stops one branch of government from becoming too powerful?
9) What are the two parts of the US Congress?
10) We elect a US Senator for how many years?
Answers at the bottom of the newsletter!
Test your knowledge with more questions here.
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City-wide Numbers - September 20th-26th:
Criminal Homicides – 151
Total Homicides – 155
Homicides Pending Review – 13/151
Metro Louisville now has an interactive map that will allow you to see what is happening in your neighborhood as well as others across the city. The map updates daily and if you choose you can receive alerts for your area by subscribing using the red receive alerts button on the page. Click here to try it out: Interactive Map to Track Crime.
Subscribe to Louisville Metro's Covid-19 e-newsletter for the latest news!
NOTICE: All Metro Council meetings are carried live on Metro TV, Spectrum Cable Channel 184 and U-verse Channel 99.
The meetings are also available online at the Metro Council home page at http://louisvilleky.gov/government/metro-council/metro-council-clerk. (Click here and click on the “Watch Meetings Online” button.)
OR access prior or current meetings here:
http://louisville.granicus.com/ViewPublisher.php?view_id=2.
TO ACCESS MEETINGS THROUGH FACEBOOK: CLICK HERE
Agendas for these meetings can be viewed using the following link:
http://louisville.granicus.com/ViewPublisher.php?view_id=2
Click Here to: View All Agencies
Click Here to Visit Website for Laws, State Legislators, Watch Bills, etc
Click here for more info.
*District 7 Disclaimer: By taking part in District 7 events, you grant Councilwoman Paula McCraney full rights to use the images resulting from photograph/video filming. Councilwoman McCraney will have the right to any reproductions or adaptations of the images for inclusion in her e-Newsletter or other Council publications. This might include, but is not limited to, the right to use them in printed and online materials, social media and news releases.
If you do not wish to be photographed, please inform logan.fogle@louisvilleky.gov prior to event attendance.
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