what is animal cruelty?
According to the definition provided, “Animal cruelty is the act of causing unjustifiable pain, suffering, torture, injury or death to an animal. It also includes failing to provide necessary food, care, veterinary treatment, and shelter.” “Our definition of cruelty, our definition of abuse, changes over time,” notes Penny. “Our growing awareness of the needs of animals makes it our responsibility as people to ensure their safety.” In fact, the law changes regularly, and what was previously considered acceptable, may now be against the law. For instance, it was only October 1, 2007 when it became illegal to tether an unattended dog in Austin. Now, if a dog is over six months old and lives primarily outside, he or she must be provided an enclosure of at least 150 square feet with adequate shelter and water. (Business card graphic courtesy of the ASPCA®) There are many different types of animal cruelty and Penny suggests that you utilize your eyes, ears, and even nose to help identify fo
By former Evanston Police Commander and Humane Investigator Susan Trigourea Animal cruelty can take on many forms. From neglect to the intentional torture of an animal, Illinois law identifies these acts as crimes. Neglect situations generally involve the failure to provide the basic duties required of owners, such as; adequate shelter; a sufficient quantity of food and water; veterinary care when needed and humane care and treatment. It is important to understand that the law requires a minimum standard of care. Although an investigation may reveal a level of care different than what may be provided by you or I, it may not be a violation of the law. Neglect situations can often be corrected with education and follow up visits by a humane investigator to insure compliance. In all animal cruelty investigations, however, prosecution remains an option. The disposition of each case is based on the individual facts and circumstances it presents. The goal of the humane investigator is to imp
Animal cruelty encompasses a range of behaviors harmful to animals, from neglect to malicious killing. Most cruelty investigated by humane officers is unintentional neglect that can be resolved through education. Intentional cruelty, or abuse, is knowingly depriving an animal of food, water, shelter, socialization, or veterinary care or maliciously torturing, maiming, mutilating, or killing an animal.
Animal cruelty encompasses a range of behaviors harmful to animals, from neglect to malicious killing. Most cruelty investigated by humane officers is unintentional neglect that can be resolved through education. Intentional cruelty, or abuse, is knowingly depriving an animal of food, water, shelter, or veterinary care or maliciously torturing, maiming, mutilating, or killing an animal. Animal “hoarding” is a situation that happens when someone has collected so many animals that they are unable to provide proper care for them. In New Hampshire there are numerous laws that protect the welfare of animals.
Animal cruelty encompasses a range of behaviors harmful to animals, from neglect to malicious killing. Most cruelty investigated by humane officers is unintentional neglect that can be resolved through education. Intentional cruelty or abuse is knowingly depriving an animal of food, water, shelter, rest, sanitation, or veterinary care, or maliciously torturing, maiming, mutilating or killing an animal. While one person’s interpretation of what constitutes animal cruelty may be different from another’s, humane agents must use the legal definition of animal cruelty in order to proceed with cases. To download a copy of Vermont’s criminal animal cruelty statute, visit the Vermont Animal Cruelty Task Forces website by clicking here.
