Being a pet owner is a wonderful opportunity to find unrequited love. There is just something about owning a pet that can bring out the best, or worst, in people. An animal is a huge responsibility and it is up to the pet owner to ensure that their animal is receiving quality medical care, food, water and attention. When these situations are not being met then animal cruelty is the result.
It is a sad state of affairs when animals are not receiving the help and care that they so desperately need. There are many animals that need love and attention that are simply not receiving it. It is our job as the owners to see to it that animals are not abused and left neglected or roaming around on the streets as stray animals. This audio program will cover the basics of animal cruelty and hopefully by the end you will be doing your part to stop this travesty.
What is animal cruelty?
Animal cruelty is any act in which the pet or animal suffers needlessly. It may be from hoarders who keep hundreds of animals out of some bizarre compulsion. It may seem that they are not hurting the animal but in actuality they are. Some cases of animal cruelty stem from unknowingly harming an animal but there are instances where the owners are intentionally harming the animals. Some people also go out of their way to maliciously kill animals and harm them just for their own personal sick reasons.
How is animal cruelty broken down?
There are two different types of animal cruelty. The first is intentional cruelty to animals. The second is unintentional cruelty to animals. Those people who intentionally harm animals are considered by the animal enforcement agents to be the most dangerous. Anyone who would intentionally harm an animal may eventually turn that violence and anger to humans. They generally will maliciously harm an animal out of a need for violence or anger. This may be a deliberate withholding of food, water and proper medical care. It may also be deliberately harming the animal or having a large number of animals in cages for breeding purposes.
Unintentional animal cruelty is usually found in people who cannot afford to properly care for their animal. It does not mean that they do not genuinely love their pets but simply do not have the means to protect their pets.
What are some of the laws that govern animal cruelty?
There are many laws that govern people who own animals as pets or livestock. The law ensures that people must take responsibility for owning an animal. The animal should receive proper nutrition, water, and medical care when necessary. Should these laws be broken then the proper animal protection agencies of that area can step in and levy fines, arrest and take the animals away from the owners. There have been cases where offenders have spent prison time and faced stiff penalties and national censure such as in the cases involving dog fighting.
Who is in charge of enforcing animal cruelty laws?
The Humane Society of the United States does everything in its power to protect the rights of animals. On a local level it may be an animal welfare unit that picks up stray animals or investigates individuals who may be endangering the welfare of their animals. Another well publicized group is People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, or PETA for short. There is also the ASPCA which stands for the American Society of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. You may have seen the television show that involves the ASPCA on Animal Planet. The individuals are law enforcement personnel that do their best to investigate all complaints of animal cruelty and do everything in their power to help prevent cruel owners from having pets.
If I suspect someone of animal cruelty what do I do?
The first thing you should do is immediately contact local animal welfare units of your suspicions. They will come out and investigate whether or not the animals are indeed being subjected to cruel conditions. If the law decides to prosecute and there is a trial you may be needed to testify to what you have seen and heard regarding the offending person. That may seem like a lot of trouble to you but you will be doing your part to help the animals that cannot testify on their own behalf.
Is having too many animals considered animal cruelty?
There is such a thing as having too many animals. It can come in the form of hoarders or breeders. It all depends on whether or not the animals are being cared for properly. Hoarders do not realize that they are harming their pets. They mistakenly believe that they are the only ones capable of caring for their animals. Having too many animals in many cities is against the law because having too many may limit the ability to care for the animals in the proper way.
Breeders will often house several animals so that they can make money on the puppies. The animals are kept in cages that often damage the soles of their feet in such a way as it makes it impossible for them to walk properly. They are often not cared for nor provided with the proper medical attention. The goal of some breeders, not every breeder, is just to make money. There are some breeders who actually love and care for their animals properly.
How do animal cruelty laws affect breeders?
In the case of bad breeders the proper animal protection agencies will come in and seize all of the animals. They fine the breeder for having a) too many animals to be able to care for properly and b) not taking proper care of the animals. Some cities limit the amount of pets that any one owner can possess in a household. This applies to breeders as well. The breeder can be fined and face possible prison sentences if they break these laws.
In the case of bad breeders, what happens to the animals?
In the case of bad breeders who are improperly caring for their animals the animal welfare unit will seize all of the animals. The animals are then placed in foster homes, put up for adoption or will be euthanized if they are in too bad of shape. It is a sad condition that any animal should have to be put down just because someone did not care for the animal properly.
What is the difference between fostering an animal that is a victim of animal cruelty and adopting one?
The difference is how the animal is rehabilitated. Most animals that have been the victims of animal cruelty will have the attempt at rehabilitation. In the case of animals seized from fighting arenas the animal welfare unit will attempt to have a foster family help re-train the animal into behaving in an accepted socialized manner. Should the animal respond to other animals with violence then most likely the animal will have to be put to sleep. Foster families are just temporary homes to help the animals recover whereas adoptive families will permanently take over the care of the animal.
How can I help prevent animal cruelty?
You can do your part to help animal cruelty by being observant of other animal owners. If you suspect that an animal is being abused then you need to immediately contact the animal welfare unit of your city or county. Another great way to help is to donate to your local animal shelters. This donation can be monetary, through food and medical supplies or simply by donating your time.
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Today's Tip On Animal Cruelty
Teenagers can do a lot to help stop animal cruelty. More and more teens are becoming morally conscious at such a young age that they are making a difference in our society already. According to Gandhi, "The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated." If a moral teen wants to sincerely help to make this globe a better place, then a good way to start is to help the animals on this planet.
