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Harsher Punishment for Animal Cruelty

admin — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 20:32:48 +0000

Animal cruelty is getting more and more prevalent today. Unfortunately, not everyone is aware of it. Dog fighting, a common practice in some places is, for example is considered to be a felony in most countries. However, the punishment for such does not reflect that of a felony crime. As a result, there will always be people who will continue to neglect and abuse animals.

A lot of environmental activists and concerned people believe that the law should push stronger implementation of anti-animal cruelty laws. Stronger laws mean tougher punishments, and animal cruelty offenders need to be punished using the strongest punishment allowed by law.

Why People Abuse Animals

Most of those who show domestic violence against humans have a history of abusing animals. There are a lot of serial rapists and murderers who started out by abusing and torturing animals. When they think that they can get away with animals without any form of punishment, then they look for more challenging subjects: humans.

Statistics – Based on a 1997 study by the MSPCA and Northeastern University, 70 percent of the people who committed violent crimes against animals also had records for other crimes. When put side by side with a control group of their neighbors, the animal abusers were found five times more likely to commit violent crimes against people. Also, they are four times more likely to perpetrate property crimes, and three times more likely to have a record for disorderly conduct or drug offenses.

Most people believe that punishing animal cruelty offenders would prevent and implementing the strictest law on them would discourage more animal cruelty. Since animals can’t speak for themselves, more and more people are now taking it to themselves to advance their cause in the animals’ behalf.

Animal Cruelty Law in America

California law is commendable. It recognizes animal cruelty as a felony offense with a provision for mandatory counseling and prison time. Also, about 33 states and the District of Columbia now have laws that make certain types of animal cruelty a felony offense.

Maryland, Minnesota, Nevada and Maine increased punishments for this crime. Illinois increased its penalties for cruelty, dog fighting and neglect. Illinois law mandated psychological counseling for youth offenders and animal hoarders. Texas and Arkansas have dealt with the need for psychological counseling. Maine has passed a bill that has special provisions for torturing or killing an animal with the intent of intimidating or frightening a child, or forcing a child to kill an animal. Louisiana necessitates their government employees to report any incidence of animal abuse or neglect they discover while investigating child abuse of neglect.

These are all very admirable. However, there are still some states that need to impose strong punishment for animal cruelty. Remember, animal cruelty is a crime. Offenders have to be punished. Our animals’ safety could depend on our involvement. It could even be our own lives at the line.

Easy Steps in Supporting Prevention of Animal Cruelty

admin — Mon, 08 Oct 2007 15:48:48 +0000

Animal cruelty is a very real crime. Every year, there are several animals that are maltreated. Whether they are household pets like cats and dogs, or wild animals like bears and elephants, these animals are not safe from animal cruelty. However, only a few concerned citizens are aware of this crime. If you want to show your support for preventing animal cruelty, here are some easy steps that you can follow.

Set an Example

Start the change within yourself. If you own an animal, set an example for others by always providing your pet with the proper love and care that it deserves. Always provide fresh water, food and shelter. Be responsible and have your pets neutered or spayed. When your pet is sick or is in need of medical treatment, send him to a veterinarian. It is important that you do not neglect or abuse your pets. Shower it with a dose of tender, loving care.

Encourage Others To Join You

Have others back you up. Otherwise, no one will take you seriously. There are several ways to gain supporters. You can either host rallies or write a petition. You can also campaign online and gather signatures for a petition through the Internet. You can also do it personally, by asking people you meet at a park or rally or in school to sign your petition. All you have to do is print out pages of numbered lines with a heading “Stop Animal Cruelty”, and have people sign it.

Be Against Animal Testing

Animal testing is a form of animal cruelty. Do not buy products that are conducted and tested on animals. Buy or make buttons that clearly state your opposition against animal testing and hand them out to others.

Support Organizations Against Animal Cruelty

There are very many organizations against animal cruelty. These organizations are committed to stopping animal abuse and neglect. Also, they rescue and treat animals that are formerly victims of animal cruelty. You can show your support by being part of these organizations and giving donations that will help in treating thousands of abused animals.

Inform Others

There are many people who are unaware of animal abuse and neglect. Every day, this crime happens and there are any people that are unaware that this is actually taking place. It is very important for you to spread the word. You can do this by handing out pamphlets informing people of what’s really happening and what they can do to stop it.

Report a Crime

Your involvement is very important. If you see an animal being abused or neglected, do something about it. Report to your local humane society, animal shelter, or animal control agency right away. Know who to call when reporting animal cruelty. Take note of important details, such as the type of animal cruelty, persons involved, the date it happened, and where it took place. These will really be of big help to the investigating officer.

Simple Ways You Can Help Prevent Animal Cruelty

admin — Mon, 26 Jun 2006 04:16:06 +0000

Animal cruelty is common everywhere, even in places where it’s prohibited. Although there may be laws on animal cruelty, its not highly implemented. Thus every year, there are several animals, including pets like cats and dogs, and wild animals, that are maltreated.

Animal cruelty can come in various forms. You could have observed someone physically hurting an animal. Animal cruelty can also be in the form of malnutrition when animal owners don’t feed their pets properly. Generally, what causes injury and suffering to an animal can be considered animal cruelty.

One way of fighting animal abuse is to report it as soon as it is spotted. Here are some things you can do to prevent animal cruelty.

Be Aware

Keep your eyes and ears open. Your local humane society or animal shelter wouldn’t know several instances of animal abuse without those concerned citizens who report cruelty in their neighborhood through phone calls. So, do your part and be on the look out for animals in your own neighborhood. This could be a possible indicator of neglect or abuse.

Learn to Distinguish Animal Cruelty

Signs and Symptoms – There are signs and symptoms observed in most abused animals. Watch out for wounds on the body, patches of missing hair, extremely thin and starving animals, limping and tick or flea infestations. An owner who is physically abusing an animal is abusive. Dogs left chained in the yard and without access to food and water is a neglectful act. Animals hit by a car and not taken to a veterinarian is also a neglectful act. These are all forms of animal cruelty.

Report Animal Cruelty

Know who to call when reporting animal cruelty. There are some states that have Humane Law Enforcement officers who can investigate and arrest perpetrators of animal cruelty. In some towns, you may have to call the police department or local animal control. Know who to call. Also, when reporting an incident, make sure that you provide as much information possible. The details will mean a lot to the investigating officer. Try writing down the type of cruelty you witnessed, who was involved, the date of the incident, and where it happened.

Do Some Proactive Steps to Fight Animal Cruelty

Animal cruelty is a crime. Write or call your local law enforcement departments and tell them that investigating animal cruelty should be a main concern. Fight for the passage of strong anti-cruelty laws on federal, state or local levels. Have signature petitions. Write letters to legislators. Stronger laws mean tougher penalties, and punishment for animal cruelty should be harsher! Support your local animal rescue organization or local shelter. Volunteer at animal shelters and rescue groups in your area.

Lastly, set a good example for others. You can prevent animal cruelty and it starts within you. If you are a pet owner, make sure that you always show your pets the love and care that they ought to have. Always provide food, fresh water, shelter and medical treatment if your pet is sick. Have your animals spayed or neutered. Be a responsible pet owner. And to top it off, a lot of hugs and kisses won’t hurt!