Animal Abuse Research Paper

According to the Humane Society of the United States, 4 out of 5 animal cruelty cases go unreported. This means that millions of pets are being neglected or abused around the world. As man’s best friend, dogs make up for 70% of abused animals. Cats contribute 21%, and a total of 24% of other animals are treated cruelly each year (Animal Cruelty Facts and Stats). The mottle-furred cat you see slinking around the streets has most likely been neglected and kicked out of it’s home. The loveable dog you drive by every day has been chained in the same spot for way too long. It’s animals like these that need your help. Animal abuse is a cruel, inhumane act that everyone needs to be aware of and report because of consequences that are far more dire

than jail time and fines such as copious amounts of animal deaths, significant trauma to all involved, and higher risk for domestic and child abuse to occur.
There is a saying that dogs are man’s best friend.

However, sometimes man is not dog’s best friend. When animals are treated cruelly, they can become overly aggressive and attack people or other pets within their vicinity. The majority of these cases occur in dogs that have been beaten or neglected. The dogs develop into angry, almost feral animals. Once they reach this state, pets are either released by owners or put down. Outside of being taken to a vet to be euthanized, there is one specific instance that causes an inordinate amount of dog lives to be lost. China’s Yulin Dog Meat Festival occurs every year, “involving the capture and cruel killing of thousands of dogs.” Dogs are taken from the streets and stolen from their owners to be crammed into cages way too full for comfort and eaten. Recently, Congressman Alcee L. Hastings brought global attention to the Festival by creating a resolution that condemns the dog meat festival and calls for an end to dog meat trade, enforcement of food safety, and animal transportation laws (U.S Congressional Resolution). By doing so, Hastings made the suffering of these animals a worldwide problem and brought it to the spotlight. However, animal cruelty does not become serious just because an animal has

died.
South University stated that animal cruelty falls into two categories, intentional cruelty and unintentional cruelty or neglect. Since the definition of abuse differs from state to state, confusion surrounds the question of what is considered animal cruelty. Roger H. Humber of South University explained that “punishments range from misdemeanor to felony sanctions based on severity and intent” (Animal Cruelty and Neglect Exposed). Despite these punishments to humans, the animals still suffer. They are left with long term issues including a distrust for mankind, reclusiveness and depression, and a general fear of their surroundings (Vale). So while the abuser only gets a fine or a small prison sentence, the animal is left with lifelong depravities. It is imperative that no case go unreported in order to save these pets from an eternity of unhappiness.

Many witnesses do not report signs of cruelty because they do not want to be involved or are afraid of the repercussions. However, there are an abundance of hotlines or places to go to report animal abuse without being directly involved. Many organizations offer the option of contacting anonymously, which allows for witnesses to protect themselves and avoid being closely tied with the case as well as acquire assistance for furry friends in trouble. Two such major organizations that advocate for the well-being of animals are the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), and the Humane Society of the United States. One website, Dog Food Insider, provides information on the afore mentioned associations:
Both of these groups have 24-hour hotlines that allow witnesses to report cases of animal cruelty at their convenience. These hotlines do not require individuals to leave a name or contact information, and both groups are dedicated to investigating anonymous reports of animal abuse with equal determination. (Rogers)
This means that it is possible to save an animal with fingertips.

All that must be done is to research contact information and apply it. There is no need to give names or personal information and anyone who does decide to lend a helping hand can do so without being tied into accusations. In a case reported by The Post and Courier, a boxer named Brewster who was shockingly thin and sad had been dropped off at a vet by a samaritan who ended up being the one who starved him (Long). Even though the samaritan was the abuser, this occurance shows that there are many ways to help a pet in need and still stay anonymous. Even if it is a case of being unable to continue to be a caretaker, there are options to give the animal a better life rather than allowing it to suffer through the

pain.
If not just for the good of pets, then report instances for the good of families. There is mounting evidence proving that there is a link between acts of animal abuse and serious crimes pertaining to humans specifically. Researchers conducted a study that determined that pet abuse was one of five factors that displayed the possibility of other abusive behaviors. In many cases, homes that contain abused animals also contains spouses and children that have been harmed in some way. New laws have even been mandated where veterinarians have to alert the police if they suspect anything from the conditions of their patients because it may lead to a domestic abuse case as well as animal abuse (Siebert).
Animal cruelty is a worldwide issue. By reporting signs of abuse, you can save an animal’s life, prevent trauma, and potentially protect spouses and offspring. All pets deserve a loving, appreciative family to grow old with. ASPCA commercials are seen by millions yet so few people actually pay attention. Animal abuse cases are seen as something sad, not necessarily something one would act upon. We need to start acting. By reporting a possible case, you could be a hero. Save a life. These animals and even the abusers themselves need your help.