Animal cruelty is a daunting subject, but it is something we should not ignore. Many of us probably have heard or seen cases of cruelty to animals and taking a proper action is very important in such situations. No animals deserve cruel and unethical treatment, but when they become victims, they cannot say anything but suffer… But we can be their voices and help stop their suffering!

The American Society for the Cruelty for Animals (ASPCA) defines animal cruelty as “acts of violence or neglect perpetrated against animals.” Cruelty to animals can fall into to two main categories: intentional cruelty or neglect.

Intentional cruelty involves inflicting wounds or harm on animals including torturing, maiming or even killing. Engaging in intentional cruelty is a sign of a serious psychological problem and those individual may also have engaged in other crimes or predisposed to be a perpetrator of many other acts of violence.

Neglect is another form of animal cruelty. Neglect is the failure to provide basic necessities such as food, water, shelter and veterinary care. Unlike intentional cruelty, neglect can often be unintentional, as a result of mere ignorance of the owner. Many unintentional neglect cases can be corrected by educating the owner. If the owner refuses to cooperate or fails to correct the problem, the animal can be removed by law enforcement agencies.

Each state/local animal cruelty laws are different laws. In most states, intentional cruelty is a felony. Agencies (animal control agency, humane society, or animal shelter) that has authority to enforce such laws rely on tips from concerned citizens (like us!) to investigate and solve the situation. What you can do to help is to learn signs of animal cruelty and observe your neighborhood animals. If you see signs listed below, call the local agency that is responsible for investigating animal cruelty. You can remain anonymous if you wish to. Avoid direct confrontation with an owner of an animal you suspect being abused.

Signs of Possible Animal Cruelty:

• Wounds – fresh or ones left untreated
• Excessive amount of scars
• Limping
• Apparent medical problems that are left untreated (excessive hair loss due to mange, large growth on the body, enlarged eye, etc… anything that seems abnormal left untreated for a long period of time)
• Sick animals left untreated
• Emaciated
• Embedded collar
• Dogs who are (often chained) denied access to food and water repeatedly
• Excessive flea and/tick infestation left untreated
• Left (often chained) outside without adequate shelter, especially during extreme weather

Along with reporting animal cruelty here are other things you can do to help:

• Support your local animal shelters and animal welfare groups by donating and/or volunteering.
• Support organizations such as ASPCA, HSUS, etc…
• Talk to your kids about being kind to animals.

If you see a case of animal cruelty, please don’t turn your back. Because that animal needs your help and you CAN make a difference in his/her life.