Animal Cruelty

‘Humanity needs to respect all living things that we share this planet with, animals, the environment (WWF, 2012).’ However, animal cruelty has been reported in different parts of the world and has continued at a very fast rate. It is a growing problem that needs to stop. I have always loved animals, especially dogs. For this reason, I defend my belief that animals should be treated with dignity. One must ask, what goes on in people’s mind that leads to this type of heinous actions on animals? Where does the root of the problem begin? This paper will analyze the causes, signs and prevention of animal cruelty.

There are two forms of animal cruelty. One is active cruelty that is deliberately inflicted to cause harm (CFAWR, 2010). The other one is passive cruelty which the harm inflicted through willful disregard, in turn generating into long-term suffering. Regardless of the kind of cruelty, the effects are pronounced in the animals. Those abusing animals are highly likely to perpetrate violent crimes against humans. Negative behaviors like animal cruelty emerge from traumatic past. Animal cruelty in this regard is presented as diagnostic criteria for determining conduct disorder. This disorder is found in people who abuse both animals and humans. Clinical evidence considers animal cruelty as one of the signs that are shown in the initial phases of conduct disorder, normally at age 8 (CFAWR, 2010). Most of the studies that have been carried out in the recent past have demonstrated that violent offenders must have been involved in serious and consistent animal cruelty. The Federal Bureau of Investigation has examined the psychology of serial killers and established that most of them have killed or maimed animals as kids. Additional research has demonstrated constant trends of animal cruelty among those advancing major forms of abuse. This could be child abuse or even wife battery.

People are involved in animal cruelty for different reasons that could include: promoting a person’s aggressiveness; taking control of an animal by inflicting pain due to inability to control one’s life; revenge against an individual by hurting an animal; and to experience sadism (CFAWR, 2010). There are also other motivations that are related to development and could include: peer pressure; enhancement of mood; sexual satisfaction; fear of animals; forced abuse; imitation where a child copies how a parent disciplines an animal. Animal cruelty could be evidenced by different signs (ASPCA, 2015). An animal that is subjected to cruelty: is infested with ticks and fleas which could result in death if left unaddressed; has wounds; is starved; limps; experienced physical abuse from the owner; are chained throughout the day without food and water; are not sheltered from extreme weather conditions. These animals also become aggressive when the owners approach them (ASPCA, 2015). To promote human-animal relations, there are many factors that must be taken into consideration.

One is the need to report all cases of animal cruelty. The second thing is to understand and monitor the animals in one’s neighborhood (ASPCA, 2015). In this way, it would be easy to recognize animals experiencing cruelty. Without calls from those reporting cruelty within the neighborhoods, it would be difficult to know about animal cruelty. It would also be important to offer more information when presenting cases of animal cruelty as this would help investigation officers carry out their job. The other step would be to contact local law enforcement and have them prioritize investigation around animal cruelty. Animal cruelty remains a crime and should be investigated (ASPCA, 2015). Most important would be the adoption of anti-cruelty laws. Stronger laws would result in stiffer penalties. Also, it will be good to set the precedence for others. All pet owners must show them love and care. As a matter of fact, the deepest principle in nature is the craving to be appreciated. This is more than food, enough shelter, and water. Sick animals must be taken for medical checkups and subsequent treatment (ASPCA, 2015). Increased responsibility must be shown by having animals spayed.

It would also be important to teach the kids about the ways of treating animals with dignity. There have been reports about increased presence of kids in homes perpetuating animal cruelty. In the event that a family does not treat the pets as required, kids must be informed about the best ways of relating to the pets (ASPCA, 2015). It would also be important to support the local animal rescue institutions. Finally, there is a need to initiate a neighborhood watch initiative or program. This would entail having knowledge of the animals in one’s neighborhood.

It is apparent that no matter which side of the argument people is on, it is the norm to kill an animal for food or fur in some nations. For that reason, it is difficult to disguise animal cruelty. People should consider that each and every animal that loses its life in these practices has feelings. This means that the animal feels the pain and terror. This fact must be taken into consideration. Though no attention is riveted to this fact in many other nations, people have a choice and should be able to choose to condemn animal cruelty in the strongest terms possible.