Introduction

Just like domestic violence is no news, the same applies to animal cruelty. Only a few of the cases of animal cruelty were allegedly reported, as most of the time, we tend to bury the case. State and federal agencies don’t compute the number of cases of animal abuse like violent crimes. This lack of record makes it even more difficult to know just how common animal cruelty is.

Animals who are victims of cruelty the most are livestock, horses, cats, and dogs. Most cases of animal cruelty were reported in farm industries. And because of the slack protection of animals under state cruelty law, very few cases will ever get prosecuted. However, here are some helpful tips everyone can do to prevent cruelty cases around the vicinity.

What are the ten tips to prevent cruelty to animals?

1.    Be a responsible pet owner.

As a pet owner, you have to know and fulfill your pet’s needs. Being responsible doesn’t mean you only have to worry about the basic requirements. What should matter the most is giving your best the best positive experience, as it would help enhance its well-being. Training your animals is part of being responsible If you do not let them out or do not clean there litter boxes you only have your self to blame. Make house training and maintenance priority to help keep everyone happy.

2.   Be an example of kindness.

Show kindness to animals in general. When you can foster an animal suffering abandonment or a warm shelter in cold weather, if you find a stray pet, try your best to be as kind to it as you can while you help look for the owner. Most relinquished pets in shelters, and foster homes struggle for a period before they get ready to move into a new permanent loving home.

3.   Intervene when you witness animal cruelty

When you witness animal cruelty of any sort, be it neglect or abuse, please intervene. Try your best to ensure you stop such a person from maltreating an animal. But when you do it, take caution so as not to put yourself in danger. And if there is any need, seek help from other persons witnessing animal cruelty.

4.   Report animal cruelty cases

If in a case you witness animal cruelty and for one reason or the other you can’t intervene, report the case. You can report it to the police or any other authorities. And if possible, act immediately to prevent any further cruelty.

5.    Teach children to respect animals

One way to teach children how to respect animals is to set a good example. Children learn faster by what they see than what they hear. So, by showing them how to treat animals appropriately well they will show love and consideration. Help these children grow up to become the next generation of animal advocates.

6.   Demand stricter laws for animal protection

Another helpful tip that will help everyone abide in a well-mannered behavior towards animals is with stricter laws. When there are stricter animal welfare laws with harsher penalties, there will be fewer cruelty cases.

7.    Shelter an animal in need

You might be the helping hand an animal needs to survive the day. A mistreated animal needs support, and sometimes immediately. When you find an animal in need, do not hesitate to render help when you can. You can make a big difference when you take an animal out of a situation that could be harmful.

8.   Neglecting an animal is closely linked with domestic violence

Don’t think because of the communication barrier between animals and humans, doesn’t mean you can ill-treat animals. It may surprise you, but domestic violence and animal cruelty are closely linked. These two are often connected, and by reporting such cases, the person or persons involved may face the same penalties as domestic violence.

9.   Educate people around you about animal cruelty

When people understand the issues of animal cruelty, it will help them intervene more frequently. People should have a better understanding of when a person or persons is neglecting or tormenting an animal so they can better intervene. Animals have the right to live without pain or fear.

10.                   Offer help to overwhelmed people.

Sometimes, owners don’t neglect pets because of a lack of love. At times it could be because the owner lacks psychological resources to provide his/her pet with the appropriate care. In such cases, remove the pet from a place of neglect and give it the care it needs to thrive.

Who abuses animals?

Animal abuse, such as neglect and cruelty, spread across all economic and social boundaries. Animal cruelty is common in both urban and rural areas. Studies show that people who are cruel intentionally to animals are more likely to be violent against people. Survey also shows that people who intentionally abuse animals are predominantly men under 30. Also, some people with hoarding behavior tend to house far more animals than they can take care of, which often victimize the animal. Serious animal neglect like hoarding shows that such people require mental and social health services. Surveys suggest that people involved in hoarding behaviors are more likely to be women over 60.

Animal cruelty in correlation with domestic violence

Data correlation suggests people associated with child abuse or domestic violence are more likely to abuse animals. According to statistics, in the United States, there are over 70 million dogs and 74 million cats, where 20 men and women are assaulted every minute, averaging 10 million a year. In a particular survey, 71% of domestic violence victims report that their abuser also exhibits animal cruelty. In a study of families under investigation for child abuse, researchers suggest that pet abuse occurred in 88% of the families. The Pets and Women’s Safety (PAWS) Act, supported by the Humane Society Legislative Fund, was introduced to congress in 2015 as H.R. 1258 and S.B. 1559 to end pet cruelty.

First vs. subsequent offense

In some states, the law only allows a felony charge when the offender has a previous animal cruelty conviction. There are 46 of 49 states with felony provision as first offense provision. Furthermore, four states (Mississippi, Iowa, Ohio, and Pennsylvania), have laws with felony charges, but only to subsequent offenses. Most anti-cruelty laws are limited to torture, aggravated cruelty, and cruelty to companion animals.

Conclusion

In conclusion, help an animal today who feels helpless and scared. Make the world a better and safer place where animals can thrive. Fight to give animals a better tomorrow by doing little things. Do you have a barking do issue, check this out.