A story about a man who knifed his girlfriend's dog to death, then threw the poor dog's body at the police who responded to the woman's 911 call, reminded me how often domestic violence can start with the family pet.

Even when the abuser never lifts his or her hand to the rest of the family, the act of killing a pet can terrify the rest of family; which is exactly what the abuser wants to do.  They don't want love, they don't want admiration; they just want control.  Tyrants to the core, their self-love takes precedence over the rights and wishes of everyone around them.

Though Robert Williams was only charged with torturing the poor dog, he should have also been charged with domestic abuse.  It is a shame that the law can't see all aspects of Mr. Williams' actions.