Signs Of Animal Abuse, And Why Stopping it is Important

 Animal abuse seems like a rare crime but The Humane Society estimates that there are 1 million-plus animals that are abused or killed in episodes of domestic violence every year and that 250,000 animals fall victim to animal hoarding, with 900-2000 new cases every year.

So how can you tell if an animal is being abused?

According to the ASPCA and to the Illinois RICP you can tell if an animal is a victim to abuse are:

• Cuts or Lacerations
• Scars (Usually There Are Multiple Scars With A Mix Of Recent And Healed Injuries)
• Swelling
• Abnormal Body Weight 
• Eye Condition (Inquiries and/or Discharge) 
• Discharge From Ears, Nose Or Other Areas 
• Broken/ Fractured Limbs 
• Skin Condition/ Discoloration
• Nail Length or Condition

The condition the animal is kept in shouldn't be taken for granted, as it can be just as important evidence as the condition of the animal. 

The following are signs of a poor environment:

• No or Inaiqiute Access to Food and/of Water 
• Inadequate Shelter From the Wheather
• Inadequate Space (If Confined)
• Restraint on Short and/or Heavy Chains
• Chains That Are Tight and/or Growing on Skin 
• Large Accumulation of Feces and/or Urine 
• Unsafe Condition In Housing Area (Broken Glass, Sharp Medal, EXD)

So with 76 million dogs and 58 million cats in the US why care about what seems to be such a low amount of abuse? 

• It has been documented that animal abuse is linked to other crimes and violent crimes.
• Animals are abused in 88% of the households in which children are abused.
•   83% of those classified as cruel and firesetters before the age of 12 were later referred to court for a violent crime.
• School Shooting are often preceded by animal abuse.

By targeting Animal Abuse we will be able to stop:

• Domestic violence
• School shootings
• Violent Crimes

By targeting dog/rooster fighting we can stop

• Illegal Gangs                                                                                
  
  
  
• Gang Crimes  
• Domestic violence 
• Drug crimes/ Smuggling