Some may think that animals' reactions and responses to humans are an automated response due to their brains, although this theory may also be true for humans. An example that demonstrates the theory that animals actually have emotions is research conducted by Ascione and Shapiro (2009) showing a “link” between animal abuse and interpersonal violence. Ascione and Shapiro (2009) define animal abuse as “non-accidental, socially unacceptable behavior that causes pain, suffering or distress and/or death to an animal.” Animal victims of abuse are presented as comparable and interchangeable with human victims, and the psychology of those who commit animal cruelty is portrayed as similar, if not identical, to that of human abusers. All this clearly shows the moral equivalence of animal and human suffering. Cultural beliefs ultimately decide the fate of animals and how they are treated. However, culture in no way condones human abuse or child abuse, due to the way it inflicts both emotional and physical pain on the subject. Studies showing that the pain inflicted during animal abuse is similar, if not identical, to that of the pain during human abuse justify why culture and society should not have the power to justify the negative treatment of animals. My belief is that child abuse is equally painful whether the child's culture condones it or not, the same can be said for animals.