Animal Cruelty Facts and Statistics

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Statistics on the victims and current legislative trends

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The shocking number of cruelty cases reported daily in the media is only the tip of the iceberg.

Every year, The HSUS rescues thousands of animals from miserable situations. With your support, we could help even more.

Although there is no national reporting system for animal abuse, media reports suggest that it is common in rural and urban areas. Most cases are never reported, and most animal suffering goes unrecognized and unabated. Cruelty and neglect can also cross socio-economic boundaries.

Based on media reports, we can review animal cruelty in terms of:

• Most common victims
• Horses
• Livestock
• Domestic violence
• Legislative trends

Unless otherwise noted, the following statistics are compiled from pet-abuse.com.

Most Common Victims

In media-reported animal cruelty cases, dogs—and pit bull-type dogs, in particular—are the most common victims of animal cruelty. Of 1,880 cruelty cases* reported in the media in 2007:

64.5% (1,212) involved dogs

18% (337) involved cats

25% (470) involved other animals 

Reported abuse against pit bull-type dogs appears to be on the rise: in 2000–2001, pit bull-type dogs were involved in 13% of reported dog-abuse cases; in 2007, they were involved in 25% of reported dog-abuse cases.

*some cases involved multiple species

Horses 

According to the American Horse Council, Americans own more than 9 million horses, up from more than 6 million in the mid-1990s. Backyard breeding fueled the boom in pet horses. Of the more than 2 million Americans who own horses, more than one-third have a household income of less than $50,000. [1] 

Neither the total number of horse neglect cases nor the percentage of total animal abuse cases classified as horse neglect has risen since the closure of all U.S. horse slaughter plants.

Livestock

As HSUS investigations into slaughterhouses and cattle auctions have revealed, animal abuse abounds in the factory farm industry. Despite increased feed prices, we found no indication in the news media that the number of livestock neglect cases is increasing, other than a few shocking, high-profile cases. This may, however, simply be a reflection of the weak protections afforded to livestock under state animal cruelty laws.

Many states specifically exclude livestock or any "common" agricultural practices from their cruelty laws, and even when good laws exist, it can sometimes be difficult to convince law enforcement to make an arrest and/or to seize livestock who are being neglected or abused.

Over the past few years, the number of reported animal neglect cases involving cows and pigs has dipped slightly.

In 2007, there were 20 reported neglect cases involving cows and eight involving pigs, down from 33 cow neglect cases and 11 pig neglect cases in 2006, and 26 cow neglect cases and nine pig neglect cases in 2005.

Domestic Violence

Government data on domestic violence cases reveal a staggering number of animals are victimized by abusive partners each year. The HSUS estimates that nearly 1 million animals a year are abused or killed in connection with domestic violence.

About 2,168,000 women and men are physically assaulted by an intimate partner in the U.S. every year (U.S. Department of Justice, 2000).

63% of U.S. households own a pet (APPMA, 2006).

71% of domestic violence victims report that their abuser also targeted their animal (Ascione, 1997).

In 2007, 7% of media-reported animal cruelty cases either occured in the context of a domestic dispute or involved a person with a history of domestic violence.

Legislative Trends

50 states currently have felony provisions within their animal cruelty laws. 

Before 1986, only four states had felony animal cruelty laws: Massachusetts (1804), Oklahoma (1887), Rhode Island (1896), and Michigan (1931). 

Three states enacted felony laws in the 1980s, 19 in the 1990s, and 25 more since 2000 (including the District of Columbia).

First vs. Second Offense

Forty-three of the 50 state felony provisions are first-offense provisions.

Six have second-offense felonies (Iowa, Miss., Ohio, and Pa., have felony laws that apply only on the second offense; Tex. and Va. have second-offense felonies depending on the situation).

Idaho has a third-offense felony animal cruelty law.

Within the 43 states that have first-offense felony cruelty laws, several have a first-offense provision for aggravated cruelty, torture, companion animal cruelty, etc., in addition to a second-offense provision for cruelty to animals.

States Finding Second-Offense Laws Inadequate

In the last decade, at least 6 states have enacted second- or third-offense felony animal cruelty laws, only to readdress and upgrade them to first-offense laws within a few years: 

Alaska (3rd 2008, 1st 2010)

Indiana (2nd 1998, 1st 2002)

Kentucky (2nd 2003, 1st 2007)

Nebraska (2nd 2002, 1st 2003)

Tennessee (2nd 2001 and 2002, 1st 2004)

Virginia (2nd 1999, 1st 2002)

References

1. "Leaner Pastures: As Horses Multiply, Neglect Cases Rise," Wall Street Journal, Jan. 7, 2008, p.1.

Source : humanesociety[dot]org

Within Reach

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Jessica Sears Earns National Humane Teacher of the Year Award

All Animals magazine, January/February 2015

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TIt started as a simple language arts lesson—students using an online program to categorize a series of nouns as people, places or things. But when the program indicated that the word “kitten” should be categorized as a thing, 15-year-old Laquan and 14-year-old Kevin strongly objected. So strongly, in fact, that they posted their concern on social media.

“When we hear people refer to animals as ‘things,’ it is upsetting because we know that it isn’t true,” they wrote.

For teacher Jessica Sears, their outrage was validation that her humane messaging was sinking in.

Currently in her fifth year of teaching, Sears believes that humane education should be provided throughout a child’s schooling. But in her experience, these lessons tend to fade or disappear from the curriculum in middle and high school.

The lack of humane messaging for her grades 7-12 students at Daretown School in Elmer, New Jersey, inspired the bubbly educator to create Project R.E.A.C.H. (Research-Educate-Act-Create-Help), in which students raise awareness about animal cruelty and help local shelters.

Sears’ class is a mix of special education students who often come to school feeling insecure and reluctant to try new things. But with Sears’ guidance, the youngsters eagerly participate in R.E.A.C.H. and regularly ask to do more.

“My students need humane messaging just as much if not more [than younger students] because of situations that they may be exposed to,” she says. “They need to be able to differentiate what’s right and what’s wrong.”

Through Project R.E.A.C.H., students conduct research and use social media and other technology to educate others about animal issues. They create fliers and banners that encourage shelter adoptions and organize collection drives and fundraisers. Even practicing reading skills becomes fun when students sit in a shelter’s cat room and read to a furry audience.

Named the 2014 National Kind Teacher of the Year by The HSUS, Sears hopes that other educators will start similar programs. “If you’re willing to reach out and share ideas and communicate those ideas in positive ways, we really can be a voice—a very strong voice.”

Jessica Sears

Elmer, New Jersey

United Passions

An animal advocate for as long as she can remember, teacher Jessica Sears says it is a joy to combine her passion for education with her commitment to animals. “[Incorporating] humane education into my classroom is kind of a reflection of who I am outside the classroom as well. It’s something … very dear to my heart.”

Still Reaching

Exciting things continue to happen for animals thanks to Project R.E.A.C.H. students, who recently created a large mural at the Salem County Humane Society and drafted public service announcements to encourage shelter adoptions. At projectreach2013.blogspot.com, Sears chronicles the many ways her students help animals in the community.

About the Award

The award—now called the National Humane Teacher of the Year—recognizes pre-K-12 teachers who effectively incorporate humane education into their curriculums. Nominate yourself or another teacher.

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Source : humanesociety[dot]org

Home, Sweet Home: How to Bring an Outside Cat Indoors

You can make your cat very happy with life indoors

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You may think that cats have to go outside to be happy. But cats would disagree with you (and so would local birds!)

Actually, close to two-thirds of owned cats live indoors either exclusively or for a majority of the time. Cats can live a happy and healthy life indoors with their families.

Allowing your cats to roam outdoors can significantly shorten their lives. Potentially deadly dangers—parasites, catching diseases from other cats, being hit by cars, stolen by strangers, attacked by predators, or just plain getting lost—are constant threats to an outdoor cat. And cats themselves can be deadly to local wildlife.

So how do you keep kitty both safe and happy inside? Follow our suggestions:

Believe you (and your cat) can do it
Move your cat indoors slowly
Make life inside fun for your cat
Recognize when it's time for your cat to go cold turkey
When you're ready to give up, get strategic
Be proud that you're protecting wildlife

Believe you (and your cat) can do it

Millions of cats spend their entire lives indoors without complaint. They've never been outside and have no desire to venture out. In fact, many become frightened if they accidentally wander out the door.

"But my cat has always gone outside," you protest. "I can't keep him in now."

That's not necessarily true. Plenty of stray cats have been adopted and turned into happy indoor kitties who don't want to go out. The trick is to make the great indoors as fun and intriguing as the outdoors.

Got problems with your cat? Try our Cat Answer Tool >>

Move your cat indoors slowly

Make the change from outdoors to indoors gradually, until the new way of life becomes old hat. Many cats will adjust with little effort, while others will be miserable—and let you know it. They might scratch at doors, claw at windows, yowl, and try to dash through open doors. So be prepared:

• If your cat has never used a scratching post or a litter box, introduce both items well in advance of transitioning your cat to a life inside.
• If you're feeding your cat outdoors, begin feeding him indoors. Then, instead of letting your cat back outside as soon as he's finished eating, keep him inside for gradually longer periods of time.
• If you're starting your cat's retraining during the winter, a warm, dry bed in which to snuggle may be just the ticket to convince her to stay inside.
• If he tries to make a break for it when you open the door, rattle a jar of pennies or give him a squirt with a water gun. Never hit, kick, or yell at him; he'll become afraid of you. You can also train him to run away when the door is open by throwing a piece of kibble or cat treat to the opposite side of the room.

Don't let allergies or pregnancy make you consider putting your cat outside or even giving her up. Work with your doctor to manage these conditions instead.

Make life inside fun for your cat

Though people domesticated cats several thousand years ago, they still retain many behaviors of their wild ancestors. Give your kitty plenty of indoors options to express his natural behaviors.

• A cat's play is all based on the hunting instinct, so give him plenty of toys to stalk, chase, pounce on, and kill. They don't have to be fancy; a ball of aluminum foil and a paper bag delight many a cat.
• Cats like to observe their world from above (which is why they climb trees and roofs), so give or make yours a cat tree or kitty jungle gym to climb. 
• Give him a sunny window so he can watch the birds or bask in a sunbeam. Make sure the screen is very secure before opening the window.
• Grow cat grass (available at pet supply stores) for her to chew on.
• Give her lots of your time and attention.

You can also try a couple of safe ways for your cat to enjoy the outdoors:

• If your cat is agreeable, train him to walk on a cat harness and leash and take him for a stroll. Don't let him get too far from you where he could encounter something dangerous.
• Think about building a screened-in enclosure attached to the house where your cat can pretend he's an outdoor kitty.

Recognize when it's time for your cat to go cold turkey

If you're having trouble slowly transitioning your cat to a happy life indoors, it may be better to go "cold turkey." Letting your cat outdoors occasionally may only reinforce her pestering behaviors, so keep her indoors all the time.

Do your best not to give in to his requests to go out, and distract his attention with play. Your veterinarian may also prescribe a short course of anti-anxiety medication or homeopathic therapy to help your cat through the transition period.

Pledge to keep cats and wildlife safe »

When you're ready to give up, get strategic

If you're thinking of putting your indoor cat out because he's scratching your couch or not using the litter box, please visit our online Cat Answer Tool for problem-solving advice, trouble shooting and behavior resources.

You may want to consider building a screened-in enclosure attached to the house where your cat can pretend she's an outdoor kitty. Or, if you're lucky enough to have a screened-in porch, let your cat enjoy it (once you've thoroughly examined it to make sure she can't escape).

Finally, training your cat to walk on a harness and leash can be fun for both of you, and it provides your cat with fresh air and exercise in a safe way. 

Be proud that you're protecting wildlife

If you're still on the fence about keeping your cat inside, consider the welfare of your neighborhood wildlife.

A cat's hunting instinct is just that—an instinct. Even well-fed pet cats who are allowed to roam outdoors may attempt to prey on smaller animals, with varying levels of success.

Outdoor cats can have an impact on wildlife populations, especially when threatened and endangered species are concerned. Ground-nesting birds like quail or baby birds (particularly fledglings who have not yet learned to fly) are particularly vulnerable. Even if your cat doesn't stay indoors year-round, keeping her inside during dawn and dusk hours—and during the spring months, when wildlife and their babies are most active—can be helpful.

Source : humanesociety[dot]org

Pet Care High-Rise Syndrome

When summer comes around, many pet parents are eagerly opening their windows to enjoy the weather. Unfortunately, they are also unknowingly putting their pets at risk. Unscreened windows pose a real danger to cats, who fall out of them so often that the veterinary profession has a name for the complaint—High-Rise Syndrome. During the warmer months, veterinarians at the ASPCA Animal Hospital see approximately three to five cases a week. Falls can result in shattered jaws, punctured lungs, broken limbs and pelvises—and even death.
- Cats have excellent survival instincts, and they don’t deliberately “jump” from high places that would be dangerous. Most cats fall accidentally from high-rise windows, terraces or fire escapes.
- Cats have an incredible ability to focus their attention on whatever interests them. A bird or other animal attraction can be distracting enough to cause them to lose their balance and fall.
- Because cats have little fear of heights and enjoy perching in high places, pet owners often assume that they can take care of themselves. Although cats can cling to the bark of trees with their claws, other surfaces are much more difficult, such as window ledges, concrete or brick surfaces.
- When cats fall from high places, they don’t land squarely on their feet. Instead, they land with their feet slightly splayed apart, which can cause severe head and pelvis injuries.
- It is a misconception that cats won’t be injured if they fall from one- or two-story buildings. They may actually be at greater risk for injury when falling shorter distances than by falling from mid-range or higher altitudes. Shorter distances do not give them enough time to adjust their body posture to fall correctly.
- Remember that when cats fall from high-rise buildings, they may end up on sidewalks or streets that are dangerous and unfamiliar to them. Never assume that the animal has not survived the fall; immediately rush the animal to the nearest animal hospital or to your veterinarian.
- There is a 90-percent survival rate for cats who are high-rise victims if they receive immediate and proper medical attention.
To keep your cat safe during the summer, the ASPCA recommends that you take the following precautions:
- To fully protect your pets, you’ll need to install snug and sturdy screens in all your windows.
- If you have adjustable screens, please make sure that they are tightly wedged into window frames.
- Note that cats can slip through childproof window guards—these don’t provide adequate protection!
- Cat owners should also make sure they keep their cats indoors to protect them from additional dangers such as cars, other animals and disease. People who want to give their cats outdoor stimulation can look into full-screen enclosures for backyards and terraces.

Pet Care Finding the Right Vet

One of the most important decisions you’ll make as a pet parent is finding a quality health care provider for your furry friend. Selecting the right veterinarian is a personal decision, but you’ll want to choose a practice that offers the highest available standard of care.

When Should I Look for a Vet?
Guardians seek out new vets for a variety of reasons, including a recent adoption or move, concerns about a current vet’s quality of care or treatment for a pet’s specific health problem.

How Do I Find a Vet?
The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) evaluates veterinary practices on the quality of their facilities, staff, equipment and patient care. Search the organization’s website at www.healthypet.com for a list of accredited vets in your area.

It’s also a good idea to ask for recommendations from friends, family and trusted neighbors—especially those who take a keen interest in their cats’ health and well-being.

How Do I Decide Which Vet is Right for My Cat?
Here are some things to consider when selecting a vet:

• Arrange for a first appointment without your cat to speak with a veterinarian and get an overall feel of the facilities.
• During your appointment, look around and consider whether the space is clean, modern and well-organized.
• Inquire about the number of vets on staff. In many practices, vets may share responsibility for patients and cover for each other during vacations or other absences.
• Do you have good rapport with the vet? Effective communication is essential to any health care relationship.
• Ask questions! Don’t be shy; most vets appreciate it when their clients take an interest in their pets’ care.

What Questions Should I Ask When I’m Selecting a Vet?
Although your questions may vary depending on the reason for your visit, you can use the following list as a guide:

• Is the practice AAHA-accredited?
• How are overnight patients monitored?
• What sort of equipment does the practice use?
• Does the vet refer patients to specialists?
• How are patients evaluated before anesthesia and surgery?
• Does the practice have licensed veterinary technicians on staff?
• What is the protocol for pain management?

What If I Have Problems with My Vet? Can I Switch?
Don’t worry about leaving your current vet if you have concerns about the quality of care. Most veterinary practices, like all businesses, expect clients to come and go. Before you leave, remember to ask for a complete copy of your cat’s health records to be mailed or faxed to you or your new vet.

From: Vet Confidential: An Insider's Guide to Protecting Your Pet's Health
By Louise Murray, DVM

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