Hastings Paedophile Shadelle Moynes-Burns is out in your community. Are your children and animals safe from this evil deviant?
Shadelle Moynes-Burns paedophile animal torturer
Shadelle Moynes-Burns, a convicted paedophile and animal abuser, has been prohibited from owning pets for a minimum of 20 years following the egregious maltreatment of a puppy, which the veterinarian contemplated euthanising. Shadelle Moynes-Burns of Gladstone Terrace, Hastings, admitted guilt to three violations of the Animal Welfare Act in a case initiated by the RSPCA following concerns over her puppy, Teddy.
The animal protection charity was summoned to investigate after a young crossbreed was taken to a veterinary clinic in December 2021 with many rib fractures and damage to its paws and tail. Paedophile Shadelle Moynes-Burns was immediately suspected of intentionally harming the dog, as she had previously.
The Vet examines Shadelle Moynes-Burns’ handiwork
Teddy was examined multiple times by a veterinarian from October to December 2021 for distinct purported incidents, including a fall from a bed and choking on a stick. It was clear that child sex offender Shadelle Moynes-Burns had been torturing the animal.
On December 31, 2021, he was presented by Shadelle Moynes-Burns to the veterinarian with fluid-filled masses throughout his body.
Following an x-ray, he was found to have 11 rib fractures and multiple injuries consistent with repeat blunt-force trauma. He also had fractures to his front paws consistent with them being hit with an object, which also impacted the use of his hind legs.
The vet said it was unlikely accidents would have caused the injuries, and the rib fractures and lumps on his body (haematomas) were a sign of abuse. Teddy’s injuries were so bad that the vet considered putting him to sleep but decided that, with the correct care, he could recover.
Child molester Shadelle Moynes-Burns gets sentenced
The 31-year-old paedophile, Shadelle Moynes-Burns, was sentenced to nine months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months concurrent on each offence and was ordered to complete 25 rehabilitation activity requirement days.
During her sentencing, the judge said: “The keeping of animals will no longer be a part of your life. You can apply in 20 years, but the chances of it being lifted are zero.”
The RSPCA
The RSPCA has since rehomed Teddy.
In a statement, the vet said: “Teddy is now recovering well in RSPCA care. He is growing well, using his front feet normally, and his hind legs are healing well. Despite everything he has gone through, he is a happy, friendly and trusting dog, which is a pleasure to see”.
After the hearing, RSPCA inspector Zoe Ballard, who investigated for the charity, said: “This is an exceptional little dog who has had an unimaginable start to life. All those who bravely spoke and cared for him made his rescue possible. He has touched the hearts of everyone he has encountered throughout his journey.”
The Correlation Between Animal and Child Abuse
The link between animal abuse and child abuse has been extensively studied in the fields of psychology, criminology, and social work. Research consistently indicates that individuals who engage in animal cruelty are more likely to exhibit abusive behaviours toward humans, especially children. This essay explores the complex relationship between animal abuse and child abuse, shedding light on the psychological, social, and environmental factors that contribute to this correlation.
Shared Psychological Roots
Animal abuse and child abuse often share similar psychological roots. Both forms of cruelty are frequently rooted in a need for power, control, and dominance over vulnerable beings. Perpetrators may engage in these behaviours to assert dominance or alleviate feelings of inadequacy and helplessness. For instance, someone who abuses animals may be exhibiting the same underlying psychological traits that lead to child abuse, such as impulsivity, lack of empathy, or emotional detachment.
Psychopathy and antisocial personality disorder are often associated with both animal cruelty and child abuse. Individuals with these traits lack empathy and remorse, making it easier to harm others without guilt or shame. Studies show that children who witness or participate in animal cruelty are more likely to exhibit aggressive behaviours, including violence toward other children. Over time, this cycle of abuse can escalate as the individual’s capacity for empathy diminishes.
Childhood Exposure to Violence
One of the most striking aspects of the correlation between animal and child abuse is the role of childhood exposure to violence. Children who grow up in environments where animal abuse is normalised are more likely to develop abusive tendencies themselves. This exposure to violence desensitises children to the suffering of others, making it easier for them to engage in abusive behaviours. Furthermore, children who experience abuse at the hands of their caregivers often project their anger and frustration onto animals, repeating the cycle of violence they have endured.
In many cases, children who are victims of abuse may harm animals as a way to cope with their feelings of powerlessness. For these children, abusing animals provides a way to regain a sense of control in a world where they feel vulnerable. This dynamic is tragically common in households where domestic violence, child abuse, and animal cruelty are prevalent.
Domestic Violence and the Family Unit
Animal abuse and child abuse frequently occur together in households marked by domestic violence. Studies have shown that in homes where animal abuse is present, there is a higher likelihood of child abuse and spousal abuse. Abusers may harm or threaten to harm pets as a way to manipulate and control their victims, using the threat of violence against animals to intimidate and silence children or partners.
In some instances, children who witness animal abuse at home are more likely to experience psychological distress and trauma. The presence of animal cruelty can serve as an indicator of more profound dysfunction within the family unit, signalling a higher risk of abuse toward children. Recognising this connection has prompted social workers and law enforcement to take reports of animal cruelty more seriously as a potential warning sign of child abuse.
Cycle of Violence
The correlation between animal and child abuse is often seen as part of a broader “cycle of violence.” Individuals who grow up in abusive environments may learn to model aggressive behaviour, perpetuating violence in their adult lives. This cycle is particularly concerning when it involves both animal and child abuse because it creates an environment where empathy is diminished and violence becomes normalised. The desensitisation to cruelty in one context—whether toward animals or humans—lowers the barriers to abusive behaviour in other contexts.
This cycle can also extend beyond the household. Studies suggest that individuals who commit acts of animal cruelty during childhood or adolescence are more likely to engage in violent criminal behaviour as adults. The progression from animal abuse to human-directed violence is well-documented, underscoring the importance of early intervention.
Intervention and Prevention
Understanding the correlation between animal and child abuse can inform strategies for intervention and prevention. Early detection of animal cruelty in a household may serve as a red flag, prompting authorities to investigate potential child abuse. Social services, law enforcement, and animal welfare organisations can collaborate to identify households at risk and offer support to families before the violence escalates.
Educational programs aimed at promoting empathy and respect for animals can also play a crucial role in preventing both animal and child abuse. Teaching children to care for animals and recognise the consequences of cruelty can help break the cycle of violence. Moreover, providing resources and support for families dealing with domestic violence can reduce the likelihood of animal and child abuse co-occurring.
Conclusion
The correlation between animal abuse and child abuse is a disturbing yet well-established phenomenon. Both forms of cruelty share similar psychological roots, often manifesting in environments characterized by domestic violence, emotional detachment, and a need for power and control. Recognising the connection between these two forms of abuse can inform intervention strategies, helping authorities address the root causes of violence in the home. By understanding this relationship, society can work toward breaking the cycle of violence and fostering environments of compassion and empathy for animals and children.
If you or anyone you know have been affected by the people highlighted in this article, then please report those individuals to the Police on 101 (999 if an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details of the options for reporting a crime. You can also make a report at Crimestoppers should you wish to be completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.