Animal Cruelty
 

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Animal Services:

Animal Cruelty

Animal Cruelty

Many animals in our community need our help.
You can save a life today. Learn how you can prevent animal cruelty by knowing the facts behind animal cruelty, what constitutes cruelty and neglect, and how you can Report Animal Cruelty in Your Neighborhood. Know our state's animal cruelty laws and get involved in helping our community animals.


What is Animal Cruelty?

What is Animal Cruelty? Acts of violence or neglect perpetrated against animals are considered animal cruelty. Examples include a starving dog (ribs protruding), a companion animal being neglected or denied basic necessities of care, such as water, food, shelter, an injured animal receiving no veterinarian care, dog fighting or cock fighting.

Generally, Animal Cruelty can be divided into two categories:
Neglect and Intentional Cruelty



NEGLEC   NEGLECT is the failure to provide an animal with the most basic of requirements of food, water, shelter and veterinary care.


INTENTIONAL CRUELTY   INTENTIONAL CRUELTY is often even more shocking and usually an indicator of a serious human behavior problem. Intentional Cruelty is when an individual purposely inflicts physical harm or injury on an animal.


OTHER SIGNS TO LOOK FOR:
  • Tick or flea infestations. Such a condition, if left untreated by a veterinarian, can lead to an animal's death.
  • Wounds on the body.
  • Patches of missing hair.
  • Extremely thin, starving animals.
  • Limping.
  • An owner striking or otherwise physically abusing an animal.
  • Dogs who are repeatedly left alone with NO food, water or shelter, often chained up in a yard.
  • Dogs who have been hit by cars--or are showing any of the signs listed above--and have not been taken to a veterinarian.
  • Dogs who are kept outside without shelter in extreme weather conditions.
  • Animals who cower in fear or act aggressively when approached by their owners.
Why is it a Concern?

Why is it a Concern?

All animal cruelty is a concern because it is wrong to inflict suffering on any living creature. Intentional cruelty is a particular concern because it is a sign of psychological distress and often indicates that an individual either has already experience violence or may be predisposed to committing acts of violence.

Is there any Evidence of a Connection between Animal Cruelty and Human Violence?

YES! Many studies in psychology, sociology, and criminology during the last 25 years have determined that violent offenders frequently have childhood and adolescent histories of serious and repeated animal cruelty. The FBI has recognized the connection since the 1970's, when its analysis of the lives of serial killers suggested that most had killed or tortured animals as children. Other research has shown consistent patterns of animal cruelty among perpetrators of more common forms of violence, including child abuse, spousal abuse, and elder abuse. In fact, the American Psychiatric Association considers animal cruelty one of the diagnostic criteria of conduct disorder.

What Happens when Authorities Prosecute an Animal Cruelty Case?

Depending on the severity of the case, individuals found guilty may be imprisoned and pay a fine. Appropriate sentencing can also include individual or family counseling, community service, or diversion programs. Law enforcement officers and judges recognize that cruelty to animals is one part of a complex problem. In some cases the official response to animal cruelty provides a family its first opportunity to get help.

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