Julianna Flanagan, Freshman
April is dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty. Studies have found that animal abuse is strongly correlated with other violent crimes against people. Hoarders also tend to neglect their animals due to their hoarding behaviors. This greatly affects their animals and doesn’t provide them with the attention they need. Other studies show that people who intentionally abuse their pets tend to be men under 30, while those who neglect their animals due to their hoarding habits tend to be women above the age of 60. The most common victims are dogs, and following close behind is cats, horses, and livestock.
Another issue for those fighting against cruelty and the abuse of animals is what is called “organized cruelty”. When things like dogfighting or cockfighting occurs, it can have many negative effects. Not only does it negatively affect the animals and can lead to death, but it also can greatly affect the humans partaking. “A California man was killed in a disagreement about a $10 cockfight bet,” was stated in an ASPCA article about animal cruelty facts and statistics.
There is also a strong correlation with domestic violence and child abuse, and the abuse of animals in homes. An article about this stated that 71 percent of domestic violence victims said their abuser also targeted pets. 88 percent of families who abused children also abused their pets.
Overall, it is a very serious issue and deserves this month to spread awareness about it. Based on the facts and statistics shown, it really puts into perspective how animal abuse correlates with other forms of abuse and how negatively abuse affects an animal. When people hear about animal abuse, they think of the obvious effects, but there is so much more. These animals may be scared for the rest of their lives, or even traumatized. This makes finding a home so much harder, especially when people don’t adopt nearly enough. It is so easy for these animals to be left defenseless with harmful owners and have no way to get help. This is an extremely real and dangerous issue, and people need to be more informed on the topic.
Now the question is, what can one do to help during this time? Things like starting a fundraiser for the ASPCA fundraising, spreading the word about adoption, and showing your support online can all be helpful. It is a huge help when people post and spread the word about things online. Overall, use this month as a way to inform others and do something good for these animals who are facing abuse.
Sources:
https://nationaltoday.com/prevention-of-cruelty-to-animals-month/#:~:text=When%20is%20Prevention%20of%20Cruelty,exist%20in%20any%20civilized%20society.
https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/animal-cruelty-facts-and-stats
https://www.four-paws.org/campaigns-topics/topics/companion-animals/preventcrueltytoanimals/ways-to-prevent-cruelty-to-animals
https://www.7hillsvet.com/resources/blog/help-spread-word-april-prevention-cruelty-animals-month#:~:text=Help%20Spread%20the%20Word%3A%20April%20is%20Prevention%20of%20Cruelty%20to%20Animals%20Month,-8%20Awesome%20Ways
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