National Experts to Gather in Maine for Historic 'Town Meeting' About the Link Between Animal Abuse and Societal Violence

PORTLAND, Maine, May 14 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- National experts in animal welfare, veterinary practice, humane operations, social services and child protection, criminal justice, education and domestic violence prevention will gather inPortland, Maine, on June 8 and 9, 2008, for a one-of-a-kind conference to discuss the links between animal cruelty and violence against people, and how community coalitions can resolve violence more effectively by coordinating their efforts.

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Strategizing The Link: A National Town Meeting on Advancing Public Policy and Community Coalitions is sponsored by the American Humane Association; The Linkage Project, a division of Youth Alternatives Ingraham (YAI); and the Kenneth A. Scott Charitable Trust. Event coordinators chosePortland for this historic event because of the pioneering work being done by The Linkage Project and Maine's long-standing statewide efforts in this field, said Phil Arkow, Interim Director for Human-Animal Bond programs at the American Humane Association.

The Linkage Project, a unique program based inMaine at YAI, is an innovative way to work toward developing humane communities. Its goal is to raise awareness about the connection between cruelty against animals and violence against people and to take action by bringing together diverse public and private organizations. Through the efforts of The Linkage Project at YAI,Maine has led the way in organizing a statewide effort toward this goal.

The national town meeting will look at ways of establishing community coalitions throughout the country to raise awareness of the link and advocate for policy changes. The event presents a unique opportunity for professionals and noted experts from around the country and from all the areas involved in and related to the link between animal cruelty and human violence to connect, network and plan for next steps.

The conference is being held at the Holiday Inn by the Bay and registration is open through May 30. Register online at www.linkageproject.org. The $175 registration fee includes two continental breakfasts, two lunches and all Town Meeting materials. For more information, please contact Great Gatherings at (207) 622-5330 or email Susan@GreatGatherings.com.

Speakers include:

    --  Phil Arkow, American Humane and the Animal Abuse & Family Violence
        Prevention Project of the Latham Foundation
    --  Frank Ascione, Ph.D., professor of psychology at Utah State University,
        and adjunct faculty member of American Humane
    --  Barbara Boat, Ph.D., associate professor of psychiatry at the University
        of Cincinnati
    --  Howard Davidson, J.D., American Bar Association Center on Children and
        the Law
    --  Mark Kumpf, C.A.W.A., National Animal Control Association
    --  Randall Lockwood, Ph.D., Anti-Cruelty Initiatives and Legislative
        Services at The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to
        Animals (ASPCA)
    --  Lila Miller, D.V.M., ASPCA Veterinary Outreach
    --  Gary Patronek, V.M.D., Ph.D., Animal Welfare and Protection at the
        Animal Rescue League of Boston
    --  Allie Phillips, J.D., director of public policy for American
        Humane's Washington, D.C., office
    --  Ken Shapiro, Ph.D., Animals and Society Institute
    --  Bernie Unti, Ph.D., The Humane Society of the United States

About American Humane

Founded in 1877, 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 inDenver, raises awareness about The Link(R) between violence to people and violence to animals, as well as the benefits derived from the human-animal bond. American Humane's regional office inLos Angeles is the authority behind the "No Animals Were Harmed"(R) end-credit disclaimer on film and TV productions, and American Humane's office inWashington, D.C., is an advocate for child and animal protection at the federal and state levels. The American Humane Certified(TM) farm animal program is the nation's original independent certification and labeling program for humanely raised food. American Humane meets the strong, comprehensive standards of the Better Business Bureau's Wise Giving Alliance, has been awarded the Independent Charities of America's "Best in America" Seal of Approval, and has received a 3-star rating from Charity Navigator, America's leading charity evaluator. Visit www.americanhumane.org to learn more.

SOURCE American Humane Association

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