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Posted On Oct 15, 2025

Updated On Oct 15, 2025

Animal Abuse, Neglect, And Cruelty

Perspectives & Off-Topic Discussions

When veterinarians in the United States take the oath to enter the profession, they pledge not only to safeguard animal health but also to promote animal welfare, prevent suffering, and protect the human-animal bond. This commitment goes beyond treating illness and injury - it includes recognizing and responding to cases of animal abuse and neglect.

The Link Between Animal and Human Violence

Research has long shown a strong correlation between animal abuse and human violence. As far back as 1983, studies have revealed that:

  • In homes with confirmed child abuse, 88% also had concurrent animal abuse.
  • Children who witness animal cruelty are at greater risk of becoming abusers themselves.
  • In domestic violence cases, pets are often used as tools of intimidation and control.
  • One survey of women in safety shelters found that 71% had experienced threats or harm to their pets from abusers, and 32% of mothers reported their children had harmed or killed animals. 
  • Violent offenders in prisons are also significantly more likely to have histories of animal cruelty during childhood compared to nonviolent offenders.


These statistics highlight the importance of identifying animal abuse not just for the sake of the animal, but also for the safety and wellbeing of families and communities.


Abuse, Neglect, and Cruelty

Animal abuse can take several forms:

  • Neglect – Failing to provide basic necessities such as food, water, shelter, or veterinary care. This can lead to dehydration, starvation, untreated injuries, parasitic infestations, or exposure to extreme weather.

  • Non-accidental injury (physical abuse) – Intentional harm through beating, kicking, stabbing, burning, drowning, strangulation, poisoning (e.g. ethylene glycol, rodenticide, strychnine), or gunshot wounds.

  • Emotional abuse – Threatening an animal by yelling or gesturing at it in ways that cause psychological distress or a fragile emotional state.

  • Sexual abuse – A sexual act or physical abuse involving genitalia, rectum, or anus.

Cruelty is defined as any intentional or neglectful act that causes unnecessary pain or suffering, and animal cruelty is a crime in all states. In spite of that, it's important to realize that there is variability and inconsistency in the vocabulary used to define abuse, cruelty and neglect between jurisdictions. This makes it difficult to track cases nationally. Regardless, recognizing these categories is vital for veterinarians and animal care professionals, as they are often the first line of defense in protecting vulnerable animals.

The actual prevalence of animal abuse in the United States is not known and it is likely that animal abuse is underreported. It wasn’t until 2016 that the FBI began to compile data into its National Incident-Based Reporting System. 

A retrospective study[1] published in 2018 reviewed over 13,000 necropsy reports from dogs and cats over an 11 year period. This was the first study of its kind to report on the signs of abuse in dogs and cats. Of these, 119 cases met the criteria for abuse or neglect. While the prevalence may appear low, underreporting and inconsistent terminology across jurisdictions likely masked the true scope of the problem. 

Key findings of that study included:

  • Prevalence – The overall rate of suspected abuse was just under 1%.
  • Age – Nearly 60% of abused animals were under 2 years old.
  • Causes – Non-accidental injury was the most frequent cause for abuse and blunt force trauma was the most common form of physical abuse. In cats, neglect (especially in hoarding situations) was nearly as prevalent as physical injury. In some cases, animals had evidence of repeated trauma, including healed rib fractures.
  • Risk factors – Certain dog breeds, such as pit bull–type dogs, and Domestic Shorthair cats were overrepresented in abuse cases. though this may reflect social and cultural biases in ownership and reporting.
  • Neglect indicators – Neglect was considered if food, water, shelter, or appropriate veterinary care had not been provided, resulting in chronic injuries, debilitation, or death. Starvation, dehydration, and parasitic infestations were common.
  • Emotional abuse could not be explored or quantified given the nature of the study.

 

Challenges in Reporting and Laws

One of the biggest barriers to addressing animal abuse is inconsistent reporting requirements across the United States. As of this writing, roughly 24 states mandate reporting of animal abuse by veterinarians (and sometimes veterinary technicians) to local law enforcement agencies. Approximately 21 states have optional reporting laws (voluntary or permissive reporting), and 6 states have no laws at all.[2,3]


Why Recognition Matters

Veterinarians, animal care professionals, and the public must remain vigilant. Recognizing and reporting abuse is not only about protecting animals -  it can also save human lives. When a pet suffers, it may signal larger issues of family violence and unsafe home environments.

Veterinary and animal care professionals should be aware of the physical and behavioral signs of abuse and neglect, educate clients on proper animal husbandry and care, report suspected cruelty when legally required—or ethically compelled, and advocate for stronger laws and consistent reporting requirements.

Animal abuse and neglect remain serious but underrecognized issues in society. As guardians of animal welfare, veterinarians have a responsibility to identify, educate, and intervene when necessary. But this is not a responsibility they should bear alone - public awareness, consistent laws, and cross-reporting between animal and human welfare agencies are essential. Protecting animals protects families. By taking animal cruelty seriously, we strengthen both animal welfare and community safety.


References:

[1] Retrospective analysis of necropsy reports suggestive of abuse in dogs and cats. JAVMA 2018;252(4):433-439. doi: 10.2460/javma.252.4.433

[2] Table of Veterinary Reporting Requirement and Immunity Laws - Animal Legal and Historical Center – Michigan State University  

[3] Map of Veterinary Reporting Laws for Animal Cruelty – Animal Legal and Historical Center – Michigan State University