Animal Cruelty – Answers To Common Questions

Being a pet owner is a wonderful opportunity to find unrequited love. There is just something about owning a pet that can bring out the best, or worst, in people. An animal is a huge responsibility and it is up to the pet owner to ensure that their animal is receiving quality medical care, food, water and attention. When these situations are not being met then animal cruelty is the result.

It is a sad state of affairs when animals are not receiving the help and care that they so desperately need. There are many animals that need love and attention that are simply not receiving it. It is our job as the owners to see to it that animals are not abused and left neglected or roaming around on the streets as stray animals. This article will cover the basics of animal cruelty and hopefully by the end you will be doing your part to stop this travesty.

How is animal cruelty broken down?

There are two different types of animal cruelty. The first is intentional cruelty to animals. The second is unintentional cruelty to animals. Those people who intentionally harm animals are considered by the animal enforcement agents to be the most dangerous. Anyone who would intentionally harm an animal may eventually turn that violence and anger to humans. They generally will maliciously harm an animal out of a need for violence or anger. This may be a deliberate withholding of food, water and proper medical care. It may also be deliberately harming the animal or having a large number of animals in cages for breeding purposes.

Unintentional animal cruelty is usually found in people who cannot afford to properly care for their animal. It does not mean that they do not genuinely love their pets but simply do not have the means to protect their pets.

Is having too many animals considered animal cruelty?

There is such a thing as having too many animals. It can come in the form of hoarders or breeders. It all depends on whether or not the animals are being cared for properly. Hoarders do not realize that they are harming their pets. They mistakenly believe that they are the only ones capable of caring for their animals. Having too many animals in many cities is against the law because having too many may limit the ability to care for the animals in the proper way.

Breeders will often house several animals so that they can make money on the puppies. The animals are kept in cages that often damage the soles of their feet in such a way as it makes it impossible for them to walk properly. They are often not cared for nor provided with the proper medical attention. The goal of some breeders, not every breeder, is just to make money. There are some breeders who actually love and care for their animals properly.

How do animal cruelty laws affect breeders?

In the case of bad breeders the proper animal protection agencies will come in and seize all of the animals. They fine the breeder for having a) too many animals to be able to care for properly and b) not taking proper care of the animals. Some cities limit the amount of pets that any one owner can possess in a household. This applies to breeders as well. The breeder can be fined and face possible prison sentences if they break these laws.

How can I help prevent animal cruelty?

You can do your part to help animal cruelty by being observant of other animal owners. If you suspect that an animal is being abused then you need to immediately contact the animal welfare unit of your city or county. Another great way to help is to donate to your local animal shelters. This donation can be monetary, through food and medical supplies or simply by donating your time.

Pets Editor

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