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Frequently Asked Questions about Animal Cruelty


	©The HSUS
	All animals deserve protection from abuse.

What is Animal Cruelty?

Animal cruelty encompasses a range of behaviors harmful to animals, from neglect to malicious killing. Most cruelty investigated by humane officers is unintentional neglect that can be resolved through education.

Intentional cruelty can range from knowingly depriving an animal food, water, shelter, socialization or veterinary care to maliciously torturing, maiming, mutilating or killing an animal.

Why Is It a Concern?

All animal cruelty is a concern because it is wrong to inflict suffering on any living creature. Intentional cruelty is a particular concern because it is a sign of psychological distress and often indicates that an individual either has already been a victim of violence or might be predisposed to committing acts of violence.

Why Would Anyone Be Cruel to Animals?

There can be many reasons. Animal cruelty, like any other form of violence, is often committed by a person who feels powerless, unnoticed and under the control of others. The motive may be to shock, threaten, intimidate or offend others or to demonstrate rejection of society's rules. Some who are cruel to animals copy acts they have seen or that have been done to them. Others see harming an animal as a safe way to get revenge against—or threaten—someone who cares about that animal.

Is There Any Evidence of a Connection between Animal Cruelty and Human Violence?

Absolutely. Many studies in psychology, sociology and criminology in the past 25 years have demonstrated that violent offenders frequently have childhood and adolescent histories of serious and repeated animal cruelty. The FBI has recognized the connection since the 1970s, when its analysis of the lives of serial killers suggested that most had killed or tortured animals as children.

Other research has shown consistent patterns of animal cruelty among perpetrators of more common forms of violence, including child abuse, spousal abuse and elder abuse. In fact, the American Psychiatric Association considers animal cruelty one of the diagnostic criteria of conduct disorder.


©iStockphoto
Legal prosecution of animal cruelty cases is important to stopping the cycle of violence.

What Happens When Authorities Prosecute an Animal Cruelty Case?

Depending on the severity of the case, those convicted of animal cruelty can be imprisoned. Appropriate sentencing can also include individual or family counseling, community service or placement in a diversion program.

It is rarely the goal of police to imprison a child for cruelty to animals. Law enforcement officers and judges recognize that cruelty to animals is one part of a complex problem. Sometimes, the official response to animal cruelty provides a family its first opportunity to get help.

Can Reports Be Made Anonymously?

While many jurisdictions will respond to an anonymous complaint, successful prosecutions often depend on an identifiable witness who can authenticate evidence.

How Many Animals Are Victims of Cruelty Each Year?

Because there is no reporting requirement for animal abuse, there is no way to track the number of animal cruelty cases that are filed or that make it to court each year. The HSUS supports currently pending legislation that would add animal cruelty as a category in the FBI's crime data reporting system.

What Can I Do to Help Fight Animal Cruelty?

Be aware of the signs of animal cruelty and how to report suspected animal abuse. And join our online community to be notified about actions you can take to bring animal abusers in your area to justice.