Abstract

Animals are creatures living next to humans. Their protection is our duty for moral, ethical, environmental, legal, and social reasons. Unfortunately, animals are often victims of human violence. The purpose of this article was to present the postulate of extending the “Blue Cards” procedure to include companion animals and to prove the hypothesis that it is legitimate to apply the analogy between violence against animals and the closest relatives. In the course of the article, we indicate similarities and features of violence relating to domestic animals and violence toward family members. These include, among others: the fact that violence is used mainly against physically and mentally weaker subjects, the victims are unable to oppose the attacks on their own, and the perpetrators most often come from the victim’s immediate vicinity. There are also examples of specific behaviors that demonstrate violence against both a family member and a pet. Regulations concerning laws of animals were also indicated in the Polish legal system. The article describes the “Blue Cards” procedure as the tool effectively helping with the fight against family violence, as well as supporting and helping victims. Actions that can bring real help in the matter of harming domestic animals were presented.