Animals are "thinking," "feeling," and "experiencing" beings. They have basic rights because they have the capacity to suffer. We have a duty to protect those rights.
Whether it's a case of neglect or a malicious act of cruelty, you can help protect animals.
You don't have to be a cop, a lawyer or a judge to fight animal cruelty. All you need is the courage to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves.
Why should you care? Because cruelty to animals is illegal in all 50 states and because it's the right thing to do. Also, people who harm animals may also harm people.
Stopping cruelty to animals helps everyone.
| Peace for Dogs PSA |
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Animal Cruelty Video |
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Cruelty to animals is defined as:
•Torturing or seriously overworking an animal
•Failing to provide necessary food, care or shelter for an animal in his custody
•Abandoning without a cause an animal in his custody
•Transporting or confining an animal in a cruel manner
•Killing, injuring, or administering poison to an animal
•Causing one animal to fight with another
For purpose of this section, "animal" means a domesticated living creature and wild living creature previously captured. "Animal" does not include an uncaptured wild creature or a wild creature whose capture was accomplished by conduct at issue under this section.
An offense under this section is a class A misdemeanor.
•Torturing or seriously overworking an animal
•Failing to provide necessary food, care or shelter for an animal in his custody
•Abandoning without a cause an animal in his custody
•Transporting or confining an animal in a cruel manner
•Killing, injuring, or administering poison to an animal
•Causing one animal to fight with another
For purpose of this section, "animal" means a domesticated living creature and wild living creature previously captured. "Animal" does not include an uncaptured wild creature or a wild creature whose capture was accomplished by conduct at issue under this section.
An offense under this section is a class A misdemeanor.
Help Prevent Animal Cruelty
Citizens who suspect animal cruelty should observe characteristics of the animal and her environment. Does the animal have access to food, water and shelter? Is her area clean? Does the animal have apparent injuries that have not been treated? Does the animal appear to be overly aggressive or timid?
A person witnessing first-degree animal cruelty - the intentional infliction of substantial pain or injury to an animal, or the killing of an animal by means causing undue suffering - should immediately notify police (call 311). Documenting the incident with photographs and videotape can be very helpful in prosecution. If such cruelty is not witnessed directly but is suspected, animal control authorities should be notified. Reports of animal cruelty should be as detailed as possible. Dates, times and circumstances should be noted and related to animal control authorities, who should also be made aware of any physical evidence (photos, video, etc.). A person reporting animal cruelty should ask for the name of the animal control officer and ask what action is planned. Follow up, and report any change observed in the animal's condition and situation.
A person reporting animal cruelty need not be concerned with confidentiality. An investigating officer is not likely to identify the source of the complaint. Should the keeper of the animal be prosecuted, witnesses may be called to testify, but the immediate condition of the animal should outweigh concerns about having to testify months from now.
A person reporting animal cruelty need not be concerned with confidentiality. An investigating officer is not likely to identify the source of the complaint. Should the keeper of the animal be prosecuted, witnesses may be called to testify, but the immediate condition of the animal should outweigh concerns about having to testify months from now.