Idioteex

Posts Tagged ‘Cruelty’

One of the most gut wrenching things that happens on a daily basis is animal cruelty. For those who love animals, the sight of an abused creature can make them fighting mad.

Understanding what constitutes cruelty to animals can be difficult for some to comprehend. That is why many agencies that deal with this inhumane behavior have categorized the abuses into two types, thus making the topic easier to understand and perhaps to further help in the prevention of cruelty to animals.

The first of the types of animal cruelty that one should be aware of is passive cruelty, also known as an act of omission. This is the crime of neglect and is not an actual physical action perpetrated upon an animal. In other words, this is when an individual neglects their pets animals through starvation, dehydration, inadequate shelter or failure to seek the services of a vet when required.

This type of cruelty to animals can cause severe pain and suffering that often leads to death. In some cases, the reason for the cruelty is lack of education, and when informed of the cruelty to animals, the police can step in and educate the owner about being responsible for their dogs and cats, zoo animals and farm animals.

The opposite of passive cruelty is active cruelty to animals. This is when an individual deliberately and with intent causes physical harm to an animal. Those who display these acts of commission, as they may also be called, usually suffer from severe psychological issues.

If a child displays this behavior at any time, then a parent should seek immediate help. These occurrences have been linked to sociopathic behavior and can become worse as the child reaches adult life. As well, this type of cruelty often happens in an abusive home. In a union between humans, often an abusive partner will abuse the family pet for revenge.  Read more...

Animal abuse or animal cruelty refers to ill treatment or substandard care that result in needless harm, distress, or suffering. Standards of animal abuse laws, implementation, and tolerance vary across the US. So conditions that constitute abuse are decided on a case-to-case basis.

For example, at least five issues have caused divided opinions among the American public.

1. Fur Farming

2. Factory Farming

3. Animal testing of cosmetic products

4. Medical research using animal subjects

5. Using animals (especially wild animals) in a rodeo or circus

Practices that are considered cruel in other countries, which are tolerated in the US, include tail docking, ear cropping, and the Geier Hitch (using a rope through a nose ring to herd livestock).

Welfare Vs. Rights

Perhaps one reason for the divided opinion of the American public over issues of what constitutes cruelty is the fact that two active animal advocacy movements have responded differently to the question.

Animal welfare advocates say that using animals for human gain may sometimes be justified. But they aim to work at both improving treatment and ending unwarranted suffering.

On the other hand, animal rights advocates believe that an animal has rights just like a human being. That is, each animal has a right NOT to be used for human gain. They work at stopping humans from handling animals like commodities.

Psychological Implications

As mentioned, animal abuse has far-reaching implications on the state of mind of the abuser. The FBI, for one, states that a history of animal abuse is a recurring trait in profiles of murderers and serial rapists.

Furthermore, studies have shown that children who are animal abusers are often victims of abuse themselves or have, at least, seen abuse committed against a member of their family.  Read more...

Animal cruelty is getting more and more prevalent today. Unfortunately, not everyone is aware of it. Dog fighting, a common practice in some places is, for example is considered to be a felony in most countries.  However, the punishment for such does not reflect that of a felony crime.  As a result, there will always be people who will continue to neglect and abuse animals.

A lot of environmental activists and concerned people believe that the law should push stronger implementation of anti-animal cruelty laws.  Stronger laws mean tougher punishments, and animal cruelty offenders need to be punished using the strongest punishment allowed by law.

Why People Abuse Animals

Most of those who show domestic violence against humans have a history of abusing animals.  There are a lot of serial rapists and murderers who started out by abusing and torturing animals.  When they think that they can get away with animals without any form of punishment, then they look for more challenging subjects: humans.

Statistics – Based on a 1997 study by the MSPCA and Northeastern University, 70 percent of the people who committed violent crimes against animals also had records for other crimes.  When put side by side with a control group of their neighbors, the animal abusers were found five times more likely to commit violent crimes against people.  Also, they are four times more likely to perpetrate property crimes, and three times more likely to have a record for disorderly conduct or drug offenses.

Most people believe that punishing animal cruelty offenders would prevent and implementing the strictest law on them would discourage more animal cruelty.  Since animals can’t speak for themselves, more and more people are now taking it to themselves to advance their cause in the animals’ behalf.  Read more...

Animal cruelty is a very real crime.  Every year, there are several animals that are maltreated.  Whether they are household pets like cats and dogs, or wild animals like bears and elephants, these animals are not safe from animal cruelty.  However, only a few concerned citizens are aware of this crime.  If you want to show your support for preventing animal cruelty, here are some easy steps that you can follow.

Set an Example

Start the change within yourself.  If you own an animal, set an example for others by always providing your pet with the proper love and care that it deserves.  Always provide fresh water, food and shelter.  Be responsible and have your pets neutered or spayed.  When your pet is sick or is in need of medical treatment, send him to a veterinarian.  It is important that you do not neglect or abuse your pets.  Shower it with a dose of tender, loving care.

Encourage Others To Join You

Have others back you up.  Otherwise, no one will take you seriously.  There are several ways to gain supporters.  You can either host rallies or write a petition.  You can also campaign online and gather signatures for a petition through the Internet.  You can also do it personally, by asking people you meet at a park or rally or in school to sign your petition.  All you have to do is print out pages of numbered lines with a heading “Stop Animal Cruelty”, and have people sign it.

Be Against Animal Testing

Animal testing is a form of animal cruelty.  Do not buy products that are conducted and tested on animals.  Buy or make buttons that clearly state your opposition against animal testing and hand them out to others.  Read more...

Animal cruelty is something that is close to many people’s hearts. Many think of it as an abuse that is akin to child abuse, since animals are also defenseless against the hands or neglect of humans.

It tends to rouse similar anger and outrage as well, and there are now many agencies that are set up to help prevent animal cruelty, and also shelters where rescued animals find solace and comfort from their abusive or neglectful environments.

Years ago, there were not even any laws set up to protect animals from abuse, and abusers were able to get away with doing just about anything they wanted without consequence.

Now, there are animal protection laws set up in almost every state, and if you are found guilty of inhumane treatment of an animal, you are subject to anything from fines to community service, to jail time.

While we’ve come a long way in legislating animal protection laws, there is still room for improvement, as they are not stiff enough penalties in most people’s eyes, and it seems that it’s still taken rather lightly.

While I’m not aligned with the extreme mentality of animal rights groups that preach vegetarianism and use tactics that I don’t deem appropriate to get their point across, I certainly admire what they are trying to do, which is drawing attention to the animal kingdom and getting the word out that our furry friends need our help when they do not have a voice of their own to defend themselves.  Read more...