NCJ Number
78222
Journal
Archiv fuer kriminologie Volume: 166 Issue: 3 and 4 Dated: (September and October 1980) Pages: 65-82
Date Published
1980
Length
18 pages
Annotation
Typical offenses relating to zoos, such as injuries to animals, damages to the zoo facilities, and offenses within the zoo organization, are catalogued.
Abstract
Criminal acts which injure animals may be accidental or intentional and may take a number of forms. These include hitting or shooting, poisoning, spraying with acid, burning with fire, stabbing or strangling, placing dangerous objects within reach of animals (e.g., broken glass, nail files, and attempting sodomy). Most zoos in the world have had injuries inflicted on their animals in one or more of these ways. Damages to facilities are usually caused by acts intended to disrupt the business rather than to injure animals. Such acts include inducement of panic (often used by pickpockets), release of animals, destruction of cages and housing, and theft of unusual or expensive animals (especially birds and reptiles). Attempts are also made to discredit the zoo through false rumors or to use the zoo facility for illegal acts such as kidnapping or murder. Because of the growth of private zoos, the number of cases of offenses inside zoos has grown considerably. Frequently animals in such establishments escape because they have not been properly caged or cared for. The escaped animals may prove dangerous to the general public. Many businesses which supply private zoos with animals know nothing about animal care and pack animals for transport in ways that are dangerous to both animals and the public. The zoos are responsible for taking necessary precautions to prevent injury to visitors. Zoo injuries can only be prosecuted if negligence is apparent. Little can be done by zoos to prevent determined individuals from carrying out their suicide plans. Zoo crimes are especially relevant to criminologists because animal torture is typical behavior for certain types of criminal careers and may provide valuable clues in criminal investigations. Illustrations and 53 references are supplied.