WHAT IS ANIMAL CRUELTY? Animal cruelty encompasses a range of behaviors harmful to animals, from neglect to malicious killing. Most cruelty investigated by humane officers is unintentional neglect that can be resolved through education. Intentional cruelty, or abuse, is knowingly depriving an animal of food, water, shelter, socialization, or veterinary care or maliciously torturing, maiming, mutilating, or killing an animal. Read the following official Texas statutes and penal codes: Texas Statutes Health and Safety Code Title 10 Chapter 821 and Penal Code Title 9 Chapter 42.
Texas House Bill 653 and Senate Bill 1724, commonly known as “Loco’s Law,” went into effect September 1, 2001, making animal cruelty a felony and punishable by a $10,000 fine and up to two years in jail. The law was named for a puppy called Loco, whose eyes were intentionally gouged out. Prior to Loco’s Law, animal cruelty was not considered a felony under Texas law. Today, animal cruelty convictions are classified as either a felony or misdemeanor.
Two types of laws protect animals from cruelty: Criminal laws and civil laws. The laws are similar but differ in the penalties they impose.
If prosecuted in a criminal case, a person may face penalties including fines, jail or both. Those under the age of 18 are also required to undergo counseling if convicted of animal cruelty. In a civil case, a person convicted of animal cruelty may have to pay damages to the animal’s owner and/or have their animals taken away.
WHY IS IT A CONCERN? All animal cruelty is a concern because it is wrong to inflict suffering on any living creature. Ignoring an animal's suffering is cruelty too. Intentional cruelty is a particular concern because it is a sign of psychological distress and often indicates that an individual either has already experienced violence or may be predisposed to committing acts of violence.
IS THERE ANY EVIDENCE OF A CONNECTION BETWEEN ANIMAL CRUELTY AND SOCIETAL VIOLENCE? Absolutely. Many studies in psychology, sociology, and criminology during the last 25 years have demonstrated that violent offenders frequently have childhood and adolescent histories of serious and repeated animal cruelty to gain pleasure or amusement. The FBI has recognized the connection since the 1970s, when its analysis of the lives of serial killers suggested that most had killed or tortured animals as children. Among them: Albert Desalvo (“the Boston Strangler”); David Berkowitz (“Son of Sam”) Theodore Bundy and Jeffrey Dahmer. The American Psychiatric Association considers animal cruelty one of the diagnostic criteria of conduct disorder.
Animal abuse is also closely linked to domestic violence. According to the Humane Society of the United States, a survey of the 50 largest domestic-violence shelters in the U.S. revealed that 85% of the battered women and 63% of the battered children reported incidents of pet abuse in their families. HSUS officials also concur that violence against animals is “a red flag” that cannot be ignored because a high percentage of animal abusers go on to commit other violent acts. Read more HERE.
“Society as a whole is far better off when these criminals are apprehended early on – before they move on to their human victims,” says Sgt. Paul Penzone, Director of the Silent Witness Program in Phoenix Arizona.
HOW CAN I STAY IN TOUCH WITH ANIMAL ABUSE CASES IN MY AREA? Please go to Pet-Abuse.com. Pet-Abuse.Com is a national animal protection organization that researches and tracks incidents of criminal animal cruelty. They offer a wide range of service and tools for animal advocates, humane law enforcement, researchers and prosecutors.
THE LINK BETWEEN ANIMAL ABUSE AND SOCIETAL VIOLENCE
For decades, researchers have found concrete links between societal violence an animal abuse. For example, many of the most notorious and violent serial killers in United States history admit that their first victims were animals, and that they began torturing and killing animals for pleasure and amusement as teens. Among them: Albert Desalvo (“the Boston Strangler”); David Berkowitz (“Son of Sam”) Theodore Bundy and Jeffrey Dahmer.
Animal abuse is also closely linked to domestic violence. According to the Humane Society of the United States, a survey of the 50 largest domestic-violence shelters in the U.S. revealed that 85% of the battered women and 63% of the battered children reported incidents of pet abuse in their families. HSUS officials also concur that violence against animals is “a red flag” that cannot be ignored because a high percentage of animal abusers go on to commit other violent acts.
REPORT IT! If you know about, have witnessed, or suspect animal abuse and/or neglect, you should immediately call your local humane society, shelter, animal control agency or 911. You are the eyes and ears of the community and perhaps are the only advocate a suffering animal has on their side. You should also contact authorities to get aid for an animal in distress. For Collin County Residents, check our Resources Page to find out how to report animal abuse.
PLEASE GET INVOLVED in the legislative process by lobbying for stronger animal cruelty laws in your state. Go to THLN now and see "Get Involved" section!
Make a financial DONATION to local organizations such as Have Mercy™, who raise financial rewards for information leading to the arrest and convictions of animal abusers and who educate the public on the issue.
EDUCATE YOUR CHILDREN about properly caring for and respecting all animals. Cruelty prevention begins in the home!
TALK TO FAMILY AND FRIENDS about the need to protect all animals to end animal suffering.
VOLUNTEER at a local animal shelter or animal organization!
Get Shocked on animalcruelty.com (disturbing content.) Stay in touch with national and local cruelty cases on Pet-Abuse.com. Get involved! Speak Up!
