The American Humane Association has established a new division, the Human-Animal Bond Division, to further enhance and expand mankind’s understanding of the power, the implications and the benefits of the connection between people and animals. The new group complements and provides a formal bridge between the organization’s existing Animal Protection Division and its Children’s Division, both of which have been in existence for more than 130 years.

American Humane’s Human-Animal Bond Division will highlight and build upon the organization’s emerging national leadership in its recently initiated Pets and Women’s Shelters (PAWS)™ Program, The Link® between violence to people and violence to animals, its evolving animal-assisted therapy program, and its expanded humane education efforts.

As early as 1894, American Humane publicly noted the link between animal abuse and other forms of social violence. Over the years, the organization has continued to examine this subject and inform educators, social workers and others about that important connection, in its efforts to protect children and animals and help break the cycle of violence.

About American Humane
The American Humane Association is the only national organization dedicated to protecting both children and animals. Through a network of child and animal protection agencies and individuals, American Humane develops policies, legislation, curricula and training programs to protect children and animals from abuse, neglect and exploitation. The nonprofit membership organization, headquartered in Denver, raises awareness about The Link® between animal abuse and other forms of violence, as well as the benefits derived from the human-animal bond. American Humane’s regional office in Los Angeles is the authority behind the “No Animals Were Harmed”® end credit disclaimer on film and TV productions, and American Humane’s office in Washington is an advocate for child and animal protection at the federal and state levels. Visit www.americanhumane.org to learn more.