Animal cruelty can be either deliberate abuse or simply the failure to take care of an animal. Either way, and whether the animal is a pet, a farm animal, or wildlife, the victim can suffer terribly. Don’t despair, though—anyone can take steps against cruelty.
People with emotional problems may beat, shoot, or stab animals or set them on fire. Those who abuse animals are very likely to be violent to other people—even their own family—too.
Neglect is not giving an animal the right food, water, shelter or vet care. Because their misery goes on for so long, animals who die of neglect can suffer just as much as animals who are harmed on purpose.
All U.S. states have animal cruelty laws, and 47 states treat some forms of abuse as felonies. Farmers and researchers can do cruel things to animals that other people can't do legally, but all states have some protection for pets like dogs and cats.
Hope for Suffering Animals
While there is life, there is hope. Here's what you can do about cruelty to animals.
Learn MoreNews & Events
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March 11, 2010
The HSUS Commends Officials for Charges Filed in Nev. Wild Horse Killings
The HSUS and The Humane Society Wildlife Land Trust commends the U.S. Attorney for the District of Nevada and law enforcement officials for their efforts to apprehend and charge two suspects for killing six federally protected wild horses found in northern Washoe County, Nev.
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March 10, 2010
Cats Rescued in Tennessee
The Humane Society of the United States and the Grainger County Humane Society rescued 120 cats from a Rutledge home after a serious car accident left their owner unable to care for the animals.
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March 10, 2010
Vermonters Gather at Capitol to Lobby for Animal Protection
Animal welfare advocates from across Vermont are joining The HSUS for Humane Lobby Day in Montpelier on Wednesday.
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March 9, 2010
The HSUS Helps Rescue 100-Plus Allegedly Neglected Dogs and Cats
The HSUS and the Mississippi Animal Rescue League assisted the Kemper County Sheriff’s Department in the seizure of more than 100 dogs and several cats who were found living in deplorable conditions in Preston, Miss.
Our Victories
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February 26, 2010
Puppy Mill Operator Sentenced to 10 Years
The HSUS applauds Judge Timothy Easter for imposing an appropriate sentence following the conviction of the owner of Pine Bluff Kennels in Lyles, Tenn., on animal cruelty charges.
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February 23, 2010
Large Suspected California Cockfighting Operation Raided
A raid at the Dandy Gamefowl farm in California turned up almost 500 alleged fighting birds
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February 8, 2010
Mark Lockhart Takes Atlanta by Storm
Mark Lockhart has turned his life around, thanks in part to The HSUS' End Dogfighting in Atlanta program.
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February 3, 2010
Barbie Inspires a Call for Better Laws for Animals
Barbie the dog was once injured and left outside in the snow. Those who fought to save her are now fighting for stronger animal protection laws in Idaho.