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.
Take Action Against Animal Cruelty
If you think an animal is being abused, either through violence or through cruel neglect, you can take action to help!
Learn MoreNews & Events
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June 4, 2013
Reward Offered in San Antonio Duck Torture and Killing
The Humane Society of the United States is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the identification, arrest and conviction of the persons responsible for the brutal attack on a beloved duck along the River Walk in San Antonio, Texas. This is in addition to the existing reward.
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May 29, 2013
218 Animals Rescued from Marion County Property
218 animals, many in urgent need of veterinary attention, were rescued from a Columbia, Miss., property after authorities discovered them living in filth and suffering from a variety of untreated medical conditions and a lack of basic care.
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May 24, 2013
Reward Offered in Virginia Pit Bull Slashings
The Humane Society of the United States is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the identification, arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the severe mutilation of two American Pit Bull Terriers. These two attacks, one fatal, are suspected to be related.
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May 21, 2013
Alabama Legislative Session a Success for Animals
The Alabama legislative session ended on a high note for animals as lawmakers sent HB 27, a bill to strengthen the state’s animal cruelty laws, to Gov. Robert Bentley for his signature, receiving praise from The Humane Society of the United States.
Our Victories
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June 17, 2013
Pennsylvania House of Representatives Cracks Down on Animal Fighting
The Pennsylvania House of Representatives voted 199-0 to outlaw the possession of animal fighting paraphernalia.
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June 7, 2013
Vermont Governor Cracks Down on Cruel and Unsporting Captive Pig Hunts
Gov. Peter Shumlin signed legislation that prohibits the importation and possession of wild pigs and their hybrids into law. House Bill 101, introduced by Rep. David Deen, D-Windham, bans feral pigs from captive hunts – fenced pens where trophy-seekers pay to shoot the trapped animals for guaranteed kills.
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May 21, 2013
Alabama Legislative Session a Success for Animals
The Alabama legislative session ended on a high note for animals as lawmakers sent HB 27, a bill to strengthen the state’s animal cruelty laws, to Gov. Robert Bentley for his signature, receiving praise from The Humane Society of the United States.
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May 16, 2013
Congressional Votes on Farm Bill Bring Good News, Bad News for Animals
The U.S. House Committee on Agriculture, in taking up the Farm Bill yesterday, approved an amendment to crackdown on spectators at animal fighting ventures, but also approved a destructive, constitutionally questionable amendment to strip states of their right to protect farm animals and other animals from exploitation and abuse.
