Investigating Animal Cruelty 1 Introduction CAVEAT: It is important to understand that many of the terms used in this guide are intended to convey a commonly held understanding of what those terms mean. These terms and their legal definitions vary from state to state. The information in this publication is presented for educational purposes only and is not intended to provide legal advice. The information and procedures herein are subject to agency policy and review by your prosecutor or legal advisor before implementation. Recognizing animal cruelty as a crime Under the provisions of most states’ animal cruelty statutes, the term “animal cruelty” is used to describe a range of behaviors that occur when a person: • Negligently mistreats an animal • Injures an animal • Kills an animal without lawful justification • Torments an animal • Abandons or fails to provide necessary sustenance to an animal under that person’s custody or control Most state laws provide felony-level penalties in cases involving aggravated or extreme cruelty to animals in which a person intentionally or maliciously tortures, mutilates, injures, poisons or kills an animal. While some complaints of animal cruelty involve unintentional neglect that can be resolved through education, many experts believe that intentional or malicious cruelty (such as knowingly depriving an animal of necessary sustenance or veterinary care, Introduction torturing, mutilating, burning or killing animals) is largely underreported. All animal cruelty is a concern because it is wrong to inflict needless suffering on any living creature. Intentional cruelty is of particular concern because it is a sign of psychological distress and often indicates that an individual either has already been a victim of violence or might be predisposed to committing acts of violence. The reasons for such behavior can be complex and diverse. Animal cruelty, like any other form of violence, is often committed by a person who feels powerless, unnoticed or under the control of others. The motive may be to shock, threaten, intimidate or offend others, or to demonstrate rejection of society’s rules. Some individuals who are cruel to animals copy acts they have seen or that have been done to them. Others see harming an animal as a safe way to threaten or get revenge against someone who cares about that animal. Alcohol and/or drug abuse may also be a contributing factor.
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