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Information for Concerned Citizens

Why should I take animal cruelty seriously?

First of all, animals are sentient beings that can suffer and feel pain. People who own or care for animals have a responsibility to ensure their needs are met and minimize any suffering they may experience. Furthermore, cruel treatment of animals is deemed by our society to be unacceptable – that’s why we have laws that prohibit animal cruelty.

Another reason to take animal cruelty seriously is the growing body of evidence that links animal cruelty to human violence. Research has shown that violent offenders frequently have childhood and adolescent histories of serious and repeated animal cruelty. Recent studies have also shown that often when animal cruelty occurs, there is also family violence – i.e., child abuse, spousal abuse and elder abuse.

What can I do about suspected animal abuse?

If you have cause to believe there is animal abuse occurring in your community, you should report it to the appropriate SPCA or humane society for your area. Discuss your concerns and observations – the staff who take the calls share your concern and will help to identify the nature of the situation and the appropriate response. Your call will be treated in confidence, though your name and contact information will need to be taken in case further information is needed. On rare occasions (if cases go to court) you may need to provide written or verbal testimony.

What happens when I make a complaint?

All calls will be investigated as soon as possible. Depending on the nature and severity of the situation reported, it may be handled in a variety of ways. Charges may be laid or the situation may be resolved through educational means. Police may called in if there is evidence of possible child abuse.

What can I tell my children about animal cruelty?

Tell your children that animal cruelty is never acceptable. Children may go through a phase where they are curious about their effects on animals and may, for example, kill insects. Unless they have good reason, children should never be allowed to kill or harm animals without some consequences. Without intervention, children who abuse animals often become involved in bullying, vandalism and other anti-social behaviours that may escalate to serious violence later in life.

Children who report witnessing violence of any kind should be listened to and their statements taken seriously. If they report another child who is abusing animals, this should be reported to an animal welfare and/or social service agency.