Harsher Penalties In Animal Abuse Essay

In this paper, we will be discussing how animal abuse should or should not have harsher penalties. “Animal abuse occurs in 80 percent of homes that show other signs of abuse such as child abuse” (Onegreenplanet.org). Some statistics show 68 percent of battered women reported violence towards their animals, 13 percent of intentional animal abuse cases involve domestic violence, 36 percent of profiled serial killers admitted to committing animal cruelty as children.

Some might say that animal abusers should not have harsher penalties because people use animals for testing drugs, vaccines, etc to find a cure and see how it would react to their bodies. However, animal abusers should have harsher penalties because, animals have little protection, in some cases animal abuse is simply ignored by the authorities. Some abusers get away with a small fine. “Astonishingly, animals are still considered property under the law, much the same as a table or chair” (onegreenplanet.org). One would think animals would have more rights and be treated as a loving and caring animal but they are simply just considered to be property.

Animal abuse occurs regularly in the U.S.

and is often ignored by the authorities. Defendants often get away with insignificant misdemeanor or fines as punishment. Violent crimes only qualify if the victim is human, an act of violence against an animal is not technically an act of violent crime and is not punished as such. Animal abuse is not considered a violent crime because animals are considered property under the law. Animals are sentient beings with the ability to feel emotions. Animal abuse is treated as a low-level misdemeanor, typically punished with a fine and probation. “Animal abuse is strongly linked with other forms of abuse, such as domestic violence and child abuse”

(Onegreenplanet.org).
Animal abusers who were arrested often times got away with inadequate penalties and received no more than a few months of prison time or a light fine. The animals who were abused live in fear and pain, some are even struggling to stay alive. “They have been abandoned, betrayed, beat, starved, or tied up and dragged by those they trusted; their guardians and yet they forgive” (change.org). Several states have already made animal abuse a felony. “Cruelty is defined as an animal put or forced into a situation that causes harm or is not natural to that species of animal” (change.org). Even though the animals were abused most of the time they are still very sweet. Owning an animal or animals is a privilege and it takes responsibility to protect and take care of them.
Animals experience pain and pleasure just like humans do, animals should not suffer for human satisfaction. Animals cannot speak for themselves, therefore they need to be stood up for. “To be considered a felony crime, the neglect/abuse needs to be with purpose, and inflict pain on the animal” (Change.org). Infamous serial killers were also known as animal abusers. Animal abusers are five times more likely to abuse other humans. Giving stronger penalties is not just for the safety of the animals, it is also for the protection of others and to prevent domestic violence. Animal abuse affects all creatures in this world. Therefore, animal abuse should have harsher penalties.

In conclusion, should animal abuse have harsher penalties? Some might say yes and others might say no.