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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May 23, 2012
Reward Offered in North Carolina Dog Neglect Case
The HSUS is offering a reward of up to $2,500 for information leading to the identification, arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the neglect and abandonment of a dog in Vance County, N.C.
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May 18, 2012
The Humane Society of the United States Releases Statement on Trainer Doug O’Neill’s Horse Drugging Record
Keith Dane, director of equine protection for The Humane Society of the United States, issued a statement about reports of Kentucky Derby winning trainer Doug O’Neill’s multiple violations of drugging horses
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May 17, 2012
Reward Offered in New York Python Neglect
The Humane Society of the United States is offering a reward of up to $2,500 for information leading to the identification, arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for releasing a python in Hyde Park, New York.
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May 10, 2012
More than 100 Birds Rescued from Alleged Cruelty and Neglect in Ohio
The HSUS’ Animal Rescue Team and other animal welfare organizations were called in by The Humane Society of Greater Dayton to assist in the seizure of more than 100 parrots from “Wings Over the Rainbow” in Moraine, Ohio.
Our Victories
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February 16, 2012
Ohio Man Convicted of Felony Dogfighting Activities
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February 7, 2011
Federal Appeals Court Upholds Cockfighting Convictions
The HSUS hails the decision by the federal Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit rejecting an appeal brought by three defendants convicted of participating in interstate cockfighting ring in South Carolina.
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December 9, 2010
The HSUS Applauds Signing of Animal Crush Video Prohibition Act
The HSUS lauded President Obama for signing into law the Animal Crush Video Prohibition Act of 2010, which immediately bans the creation and distribution of obscene animal torture videos.
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November 19, 2010
Bill to Crack Down on Animal Crush Videos Wins Final U.S. Senate and House Approval
The HSUS commends Sens. Jon Kyl, Jeff Merkley and Richard Burr and Reps. Elton Gallegly and Gary Peters for their leadership in winning final congressional approval for the Animal Crush Video Prohibition Act of 2010.
