Dog Rescue Owner to Expose Link Between Animal Abuse, Violent Crimes with Documentary

When Amy Beam started her dog rescue, Amy’s Adoptables, several years ago, she wanted to help as many dogs find good homes as possible. Whatever it took, she was willing to devote her life to it.

It was this passion for animal well-being that drove Beam to working with the Atlas Diamond Center Theater in Mentor to arrange a screening of the animal welfare documentary, “A Dog Named Gucci,” to help shed light on a cause she says deserves much more attention than it currently gets: animal abuse.

The film, which profiles four canines and their owners (including Ohio’s own “Nitro,” a dog from Lorain County who spent much time in the public eye after his death), calls out a shocking link between animal abuse and violent crimes--and calls on lawmakers to do more when it comes connecting the two and tracking offenders who are found guilty of abusing animals. It also gives direction to help community members become activists on the issue.

“I went to see this documentary six weeks ago,” said Beam. “It was so profound. I found out that 80% of school shooters were once abusive to animals. Those are staggering statistics.”

Beam, who is a mother of three and grandmother of one, said that it is personally important to her that the government does whatever necessary to prevent criminal activity, especially in schools. She strongly believes that identifying this link between violent crime and animal abuse will help to prevent some crimes before they even happen.

“I found that the FBI has started a database of animal abusers because, by their own research, they’ve recognized the link,” she said. “When a violent crime is committed, they can utilize their own database to search for possible suspects.”

Beam said the documentary, which was directed by Gorman Bechard, is a true awakening and a must-see for any animal-lover or community member who is interested in reducing violent crimes in their neighborhoods.

“Even if you are not an animal lover, we are ignorant if we do not utilize this information to prevent another tragedy,” said Beam.

“My goal is not just to rescue dogs, but to speak in schools and stress the importance of reporting all abuse,” she said. “My goal is to get every elected official, law enforcement officer, school official, humane officer, other rescues, shelters, and the Humane Society to come to this documentary showing. It is very informative--and very necessary.”

The “A Dog Named Gucci” screening will be on Sunday, April 3 at 1 p.m. at the Atlas Diamond Center Theater on Mentor Avenue. A Facebook page has been created for the event as well. Admission to the documentary is $10. Beam is also asking that attendees bring pet food or toy that will be donated to the local prison dogs program and McKinley Outreach Center.