Report of Animal Cruelty Cases (2003)

Since 2000, The Humane Society of the United States has conducted a yearly non-scientific study of animal cruelty cases to gather information about the people who typically commit these crimes. The 2003 report is based on information from 1,373 animal cruelty cases involving at least 1,682 perpetrators. The information is taken from well-documented sources, including media reports and reports from local humane societies and other animal welfare organizations.

While the statistics reflect specific cases, the report provides a relevant snapshot of animal cruelty and neglect in the United States. Of the animal cruelty cases in the report, 784 (57%) involved intentional cruelty toward animals and 589 (43%) involved extreme animal neglect. The report includes cases of animal fighting (dog fighting and cockfighting), and animal hoarding/collecting.

Overall, some of the results are consistent with findings in prior years, such as:

• Adult and teenage males commit a high percentage of intentional animal cruelty.

• Males have a higher percentage of involvement in animal neglect than females, but the gender gap is much more significant with regard to intentional cruelty.

• Females have a higher percentage of involvement in animal hoarding cases than males.

• Companion animals are the most common victims of animal cruelty, though cruelty to cats is not reported as frequently as cruelty to dogs.

• Shooting is the most common form of intentional cruelty.

• Hanging is the most common offense committed by females.

• Males are significantly more often the perpetrators when animal cruelty occurs in connection with family violence.

To view or print the complete 2003 Report of Animal Cruelty Cases, download the PDF.

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