My Dogpage

When an animal is caused suffering or harm, it is referred to as animal cruelty.  There are two main categories of animal cruelty:  active (a vast range of actions) and passive (the lack of action).

Active animal cruelty, also called Non-Accidental Injury (NAI), includes beating, shooting, poisoning and injury through other intentional actions, which could have been prevented.  Active cruelty has been associated with serious psychological problems in human beings.

Passive Cruelty are cases of animal neglect which includes starvation and lack of medical treatment which could possibly be from lack of education as well as hoarding, tethering or puppy mills.

Laws regarding animal cruelty are in place to prevent unnecessary cruelty to animals.  The laws do not prohibit animal experimentation or research; killing for food or fur; or using for entertainment; as long as the animal is treated humanely and not caused unnecessary pain and suffering.  Animal activists feel that the law is vague in terms of 'unnecessary' and 'humane' treatment.

Reporting Abuse

If you suspect or witness animal abuse, report it to the authorities.  Call your local animal control or humane society.  If you cannot locate these telephone numbers, contact the police and ask them who to report it to and the number.  Do not attempt to deal with the situation on your own.