ANIMAL ABUSE
Animal abuse, or animal cruelty is the crime of inflicting physical pain, suffering or death on an animal, usually a tame one, beyond necessity for normal discipline. It can include neglect that is so monstrous (withholding food and water) that the animal has suffered, died or been put in imminent danger of death.
Animal abuse can be a precursor to abuse and violence towards humans and/or a component of domestic violence. Like shared children, family pets are often used by abusers as a way to demonstrate power and control over their partner by threatening, harming, or sadly even killing beloved pets.
Animal cruelty is often broken down into two main categories: active and passive, also referred to as commission and omission, respectively.
Active Cruelty (Acts of Commission):
Implies malicious intent, where a person has deliberately and intentionally caused harm to an animal, and is sometimes referred to as NAI (Non-Accidental Injury). Acts of intentional cruelty are often some of the most disturbing and should be considered signs of serious psychological problems. This type of behavior is often associated with sociopathic behavior and should be taken very seriously.
Animal abuse in violent homes can take many forms and can occur for many reasons. Many times a parent or domestic partner who is abusive may kill, or threaten to kill, the household pets to intimidate family members into sexual abuse, to remain silent about previous or current abuse, or simply to psychologically torture the the victims, flexing their “power.”
Passive Cruelty (Acts of Omission):
Passive cruelty is typified by cases of neglect, where the crime is a lack of action rather than the action itself — however do not let the terminology fool you. Severe animal neglect can cause incredible pain and suffering to an animal.
Examples of neglect are starvation, dehydration, parasite infestations, allowing a collar to grow into an animal’s skin, inadequate shelter in extreme weather conditions, and failure to seek veterinary care when an animal needs medical attention.
If you are aware of any situation of animal abuse or neglect, you must call animal control or local law enforcement. When in doubt, call Wildlife Rescue at 830-336-2725.
Who is Affected by Animal Abuse?
While not all cases of animal abuse are connected with domestic abuse. It has been reported that up to 40% of domestic violence victims are unable to escape their abusers because they are concerned about what will happen to their pets when they leave; 65% of women who report prior pet abuse continue to worry for their pets' welfare long after they themselves have left.
Red Flags of Animal Abuse (from HSUS):
- Poor body condition and noticeable trauma: The animal has severe matting and a filthy coat, open sores or obvious wounds. It appears to be flea or tick infested. It’s underweight with bones clearly visible. It might be limping or unable to walk at all, or have congested eyes or ears. It is in obvious physical distress and in need of veterinary care.
- Lack of food or water: Every time you see this animal, you notice that it has no obvious sources of food and/or water. It may be aggressive due to starvation and thirst, and perhaps very lethargic.
- Lack of shelter: The animal is contained in an area fully exposed to inclement weather or constant sun.
- Lack of sanitation: Feces and/or debris cover the animal’s living area.
- The animal is tied or caged: It has little room to move, and/or is unable to stand or turn.
- There are chains or padlocks around or embedded into the animal’s neck: This includes regular collars, too. A chained animal is an abused animal.
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- The animal’s behavior is far from normal: It may be very aggressive or severely shy (e.g., cowering, hiding, fear-biting), even with or especially with its owner.
- There are too many animals living on one property: This can be a sign of animal hoarding.
- An owner being overtly violent against the animal,striking or otherwise physically abusing it.
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