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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January 30, 2012
The HSUS Offers Reward in Rash of Marion County, Ky., Dog Abandonment Cases, Offers Grant to Overwhelmed Shelter
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 the rash of dog abandonment cases in Marion County, Ky.
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January 24, 2012
The HSUS Offers Reward in Russellville, Ark., Cat Killing
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 killing a cat in Russellville, Ark., to send a political message.
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January 18, 2012
New Jersey Governor Praised for Making Pet Protection Orders Law
The HSUS applauded New Jersey lawmakers for strengthening the state’s protections for animals by authorizing courts to include animals in domestic violence restraining orders.
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January 9, 2012
Reward Offered in Henderson County, Ky., Dog Abuse Case
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 abusing a dog found in Henderson County, Ky.
Our Victories
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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.
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November 10, 2010
The Humane Touch: Profile of Adam Parascandola
A profile of Adam Parascandola, director of animal cruelty for HSUS.
