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Animal cruelty is bad so don't do it
'''Cruelty to animals''', also called '''animal abuse''' or '''animal neglect''', is the human infliction of [[suffering]] or [[Injury|harm]] upon any non-human animal, for purposes other than self-defense or survival. More narrowly, it can be the causing of harm or suffering for specific gain, such as killing animals for [[food]] or for their [[fur]]; opinions differ about the extent of cruelty associated with a given method of slaughter. Cruelty to animals sometimes encompasses inflicting harm or suffering for personal amusement, as in [[zoosadism]]. Laws concerning animal cruelty are designed to prevent needless cruelty. Divergent approaches to such laws occur in different jurisdictions throughout the world. For example, some laws govern methods of killing animals for food, clothing, or other products, and other laws concern the keeping of animals for entertainment, education, research, or pets. Cruelty to animals is not the same thing as disrespect towards animals.

In broad terms, there are three conceptual approaches to the issue of cruelty to animals. The [[animal welfare]] position holds that there is nothing inherently wrong with using animals for human purposes, such as food, clothing, entertainment, and research, but that it should be done in a way that minimizes unnecessary [[Pain in animals|pain]] and suffering, sometimes referred to as "humane" treatment. [[Utilitarianism|Utilitarian]] advocates argue from the position of [[costs and benefits]] and vary in their conclusions as to the allowable treatment of animals. Some utilitarians argue for a weaker approach which is closer to the animal welfare position, whereas others argue for a position that is similar to animal rights. [[Animal rights]] theorists criticize these positions, arguing that the words "unnecessary" and "humane" are subject to widely differing interpretations, and that animals have basic rights. They say that the only way to ensure protection for animals is to end their status as property and to ensure that they are never used as commodities.

== Definition and viewpoints ==
{{Main|Animal welfare|Animal rights}}
[[File:M (2).JPG|thumb|upright|Man beating a chained [[pitbull terrier]] with a strap. The strap is visible in the foreground.]]

Before modern biology revealed similarities between humans and animals, some thinkers considered humans completely distinct from animals; the controversy over animal welfare was virtually non-existent. Renaissance thinker [[Leonardo da Vinci]], however, who is widely considered one of the greatest geniuses in history, may once have written:

{{Quote|"I have from an early age abjured the use of meat, and the time will come when men such as I will look upon the murder of animals as they now look upon the murder of men."}}

Although this quote is not found in any of his collected works, da Vinci's regard for animal welfare is well-documented. He was particularly troubled by the sight of birds in captivity, and biographer [[Giorgio Vasari]] wrote that he once purchased caged birds in order to set them free.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://digital.library.yale.edu/cdm/ref/collection/rebooks/id/24652 |title=The life of Leonardo da Vinci by Giorgio Vasari |publisher=Yale University Library Digital Collections |accessdate=August 21, 2015}}</ref> Da Vinci also expressed anger within his notebooks with the fact that humans use their strength and power to raise animals for slaughter.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/jonathanjonesblog/2011/nov/30/leonardo-da-vinci-animal-rights-activist |title=Leonardo da Vinci unleashed: the animal rights activist within the artist |last=Jones |first=Jonathan |publisher=The Guardian |date=November 30, 2011 |accessdate=August 21, 2015}}</ref>

[[René Descartes]], argued that non-humans are automata, complex machines with no soul, mind, or reason.<ref name=MMidgley>{{cite journal|last1=Midgley|first1=Mary|title=Descartes' prisoners|journal=Newstatesman|date=24 May 1999|url=http://www.newstatesman.com/node/149215}}</ref> In Descartes dualism, consciousness was unique to human among all other animals and linked to physical matter by divine grace. However, close analysis shows that many human features such as language, tool use, and self-consciousness can be found in some animals.<ref name="cassuto" /> [[Charles Darwin]], by presenting the theory of [[evolution]], revolutionized the way that humans viewed their relationship with other species. Darwin believed that not only did human beings have a direct kinship with other animals, but the latter had social, mental and moral lives too. Later, in ''[[The Descent of Man]]'' (1871), he wrote: "There is no fundamental difference between man and the higher mammals in their mental faculties."<ref name="charles">{{cite book|last1=Darwin|first1=Charles|title=The Descent of Man|date=1871|pages=34|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ZvsHAAAAIAAJ&pg=PA34#v=onepage&q&f=false}}</ref>

Some philosophers and intellectuals, such as [[Peter Singer]] and [[Tom Regan]], have argued that animals' ability to feel pain as humans does make their well-being worthy of equal consideration. There are many precursors of this train of thought. [[Jeremy Bentham]], the founder of [[utilitarianism]], argued in his ''An Introduction to the Principles of Morals and Legislation'' (1789):

{{Quote|"The question is not, can they reason nor can they talk? but, can they suffer?"}}

These arguments have prompted some to suggest that animals' well-being should enter a social welfare function directly, not just indirectly via its effect only on human well-being.<ref name=norwood>{{cite journal|last1=Norwood|first1=FB|last2=Lusk|first2=JL|title=Direct versus indirect questioning: An application to the well-being of farm animals|journal=Soc Indic Res|date=2010|volume=96|issue=3|pages=551–565|doi=10.1007/s11205-009-9492-z}}</ref>

In one survey of United States homeowners, 68% of respondents said they actually consider the price of meat a more important issue.<ref name=norwood /> Worldwide meat overconsumption is another factor that contributes to the miserable situation of farm animals.<ref name=JSos>{{cite news|title=Are we the cruellest we've ever been? The way we treat animals suggests we are|url=http://www.smh.com.au/comment/are-we-the-cruellest-weve-ever-been-the-way-we-treat-animals-suggests-we-are-20151004-gk168p.html|accessdate=12 November 2015|date=19 October 2015}}</ref>

==Forms==

===Neglect===
[[File:This Horse is in Terrible Shape.jpg|thumb|Starved and bruised horse eating at a veterinary clinic after rescue]]
Animal cruelty can be broken down into two main categories: active and passive. Passive cruelty is typified by cases of neglect, in which the cruelty is a lack of action rather than the action itself. Examples of neglect are starvation, dehydration, parasite infestations, allowing a collar to grow into an animal’s skin, inadequate shelter in extreme weather conditions, and failure to seek veterinary care when necessary. In many cases of neglect in which an investigator believes that the cruelty occurred out of ignorance, the investigator may attempt to educate the pet owner, then revisit the situation. In more severe cases, exigent circumstances may require that the animal be removed for veterinary care.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pet-abuse.com/pages/animal_cruelty.php |title=Pet-Abuse.Com – Animal Cruelty |publisher=Pet-abuse.com |accessdate=2008-11-06}}</ref>

===Industrial animal farming===
[[File:Animal Abuse Battery Cage 01.jpg|thumbnail|Egg laying hens]]
[[File:Legebat2.jpg|thumbnail|A chicken production facility]]
Farm animals are generally produced in large, industrial facilities that house thousands of animals at high densities; these are sometimes called [[factory farms]]. The industrial nature of these facilities means that many routine procedures or animal husbandry practices impinge on the welfare of the animals and could arguably be considered as "cruelty".
It has been suggested the number of animals hunted, kept as companions, used in laboratories, reared for the fur industry, raced, and used in zoos and circuses, is insignificant compared to farm animals, and therefore the "animal welfare issue" is numerically reducible to the "farm animal welfare issue".<ref name=leahy>{{cite journal|last1=Matheny|first1=Gaverick|last2=Leahy|first2=Cheryl|title=Farm-Animal Welfare, Legislation, and Trade|journal=Law and Contemporary Problems|date=2007|volume=70|issue=1|pages=325–358}}</ref> Similarly, it has been suggested by campaign groups that chickens, cows, pigs, and other farm animals are among the most numerous animals subjected to cruelty. For example, because male chickens do not lay eggs, newly hatched males are [[Chick culling|culled]] using macerators or grinders.<ref>http://www.huffingtonpost.com/matt-bershadker/are-farm-animals-not-cons_b_5709659.html</ref><ref>http://www.telegraph.co.uk/telegraphtv/6122453/Shocking-undercover-footage-from-an-egg-hatchery.html</ref> The [[American Veterinary Medical Association]] accepts maceration subject to certain conditions, but recommends [[Chick culling#Recommended culling practices|alternative methods of culling]] as more humane.<ref>https://www.avma.org/KB/Policies/Documents/euthanasia.pdf</ref><ref>[https://www.avma.org/News/JAVMANews/Pages/060915e.aspx Executive Board meets pressing needs - September 15, 2006]</ref> Egg-laying hens are then transferred to "[[battery cages]]" where they are kept in high densities. Matheny and Leahy attribute [[osteoporosis]] in hens to this caging method.<ref name=leahy /> Broiler chicken suffer similar situations, in which they are fed steroids to grow at a super-fast speed, so fast that their bones, heart and lungs often cannot keep up. Broiler chickens under six weeks old suffer painful crippling due to fast growth rates, whilst one in a hundred of these very young birds dies of heart failure.<ref>Rev. Sci. Tech. Off. Int. Epiz.,. Global Perspectives on Animal Welfare: Asia, the Far East, and Oceania (n.d.): n. pag. 24 Feb. 2005. Web.</ref>

To reduce aggression in overcrowded conditions, shortly after birth piglets are castrated, their tails are amputated, and their teeth clipped.<ref name=cassuto>{{cite journal|last1=Cassuto|first1=David N.|title=Bred Meat: The Cultural Foundation of the Factory Farm|journal=Law and Contemporary Problems|date=2007|volume=70|issue=1|pages=59–87}}</ref> Calves are sometimes raised in "veal crates", which are small stalls that basically immobilize calf during their growth, reducing costs and preventing muscle development, making the resulting meat a pale color, preferred by consumers.<ref name=leahy />

Animal cruelty such as [[soring]], which is illegal, sometimes occurs on farms and ranches, as does lawful but cruel treatment such as [[livestock branding]]. Since [[Ag-gag]] laws prohibit video or photographic documentation of farm activities, these practices have been documented by [[secret photography]] taken by [[whistleblower]]s or [[Undercover operation|undercover operatives]] from such organizations as [[Mercy for Animals]] and the [[Humane Society of the United States]] posing as employees. [[Agricultural organization]]s such as the [[American Farm Bureau Federation]] have successfully advocated for laws that tightly restrict secret photography or concealing information from farm employers.<ref name=NYT4613>{{cite news|title=Taping of Farm Cruelty Is Becoming the Crime|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/07/us/taping-of-farm-cruelty-is-becoming-the-crime.html|accessdate=April 7, 2013|newspaper=The New York Times|date=April 6, 2013|author=Richard A. Oppel, Jr.}}</ref>

The following are lists of invasive procedures which cause pain, routinely performed on farm animals, and housing conditions that routinely cause animal welfare concerns. It is arguable whether these practices are '''cruelty to animals'''.
{| class="wikitable"
|+Welfare concerns of farm animals
|- valign="top"
! scope="col" | Species
! scope="col" | Invasive procedures
! scope="col" | Housing
|-
| [[Cattle]]
|
* [[Livestock branding|Branding]]
* [[Castration]]
* [[Livestock dehorning|Dehorning]]
* [[Ear tag]]ging
* [[Nose ring (animal)|Nose ringing]]
* Restraint
* [[Docking (animal)|Tail docking]]
* Tongue [[Resection (surgery)|resection]] (calves)
|
* High stocking density (feedlots)
* Restricted movement (feedlots)
* [[Veal]] crates
|-
| [[Pig]]s
|
* Castration
* [[Cropping (animal)|Ear docking]]
* [[Animal identification|Ear tagging]]
* [[Animal identification|Ear notching]]
* [[Nose ring (animal)|Nose ringing]]
* [[Docking (animal)|Tail docking]]
* [[Tattooing]]
* Teeth cutting
* [[Tusk]] trimming
|
* [[Gestation crates]]
* High stocking density
* Restricted movement
|-
| Egg laying hens
|
* [[Debeaking|Beak-trimming]]
* [[Blinders (poultry)|Blinders]]{{efn|'Blinders' or 'spectacles' are included as some versions require a pin to pierce the nasal septum.}}
* [[Dubbing (poultry)|Dubbing]]{{efn|'Dubbing' is the procedure of removing the [[comb]], [[Wattle (anatomy)|wattles]] and sometimes [[earlobes]] of poultry. Removing the wattles is sometimes called "dewattling".}}
|
* High stocking density
* Restricted movement
|-
| [[Broiler]] chickens
|
* [[Debeaking|Beak-trimming]]
|
* High stocking density
* Restricted movement
|-
| [[Domestic turkey]]
|
* [[Debeaking|Beak-trimming]]
* [[Snood (anatomy)|Desnooding]]{{efn|'Desnooding' is the removal of the [[Caruncle (bird anatomy)|snood]], a fleshy appendage on the forehead of turkeys.}}
* Detoeing
* [[Devocalization]]
* [[Spur (zoology)|Spur]] removal
* Toe clipping
|
* High stocking density
* Restricted movement
|-
| [[Goats]] and [[sheep]]
|
* [[Animal identification|Ear tagging]]
* [[Animal identification|Ear notching]]
* [[Livestock dehorning|Dehorning]]
* Marking{{efn|'Marking' is the simultaneous mulesing, castration and tail docking of lambs.}}
* [[Mulesing]]{{efn|'Mulesing' is the removal of strips of wool-bearing skin from around the breech ([[buttocks]]) of a sheep to prevent [[Myiasis|flystrike (myiasis)]]}}
* [[Docking (animal)|Tail docking]]
* Teeth grinding<ref>{{cite web|title=Sheep dentistry, including tooth trimming|url=http://www.ava.com.au/policy/105-sheep-dentistry-including-tooth-trimming|publisher=Australian Veterinary Association|accessdate=1 May 2013}}</ref>
|
* High stocking density (fine wool industry, [[live export]])
* Restricted movement (fine wool industry, [[live export]])
|-
|}
{{notes|2}}

===Psychological disorders and the link to human violence===
There are studies providing evidence of a link between animal cruelty and violence towards humans.<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Lockwood |first1=R. |last2=Hodge |first2=G. |year=1986 |title=The tangled web of animal abuse: The links between cruelty to animals and human violence |journal=Readings in Research and Applications |pages=77–82 |url=https://www.ncjrs.gov/App/abstractdb/AbstractDBDetails.aspx?id=155688}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last1=Arluke |first1=A. |last2=Levin |first2=J. |last3=Luke |first3=C. |last4=Ascione |first4=F. |year=1999 |title=The relationship of animal abuse to violence and other forms of antisocial behavior |journal=Journal of Interpersonal Violence |volume=14 |issue=9 |pages=963–975 |doi=10.1177/088626099014009004}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|author=Alleyne, E., Tilston, L., Parfitt, C. and Butcher, R.|year=2015|title=Adult-perpetrated animal abuse: development of a proclivity scale|journal=Psychology, Crime & Law|volume=21|issue=6|pages=570–588|doi=10.1080/1068316X.2014.999064}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|author=Baxendale, S., Lester, L., Johnston, R. and Cross, D.|year=2015|title=Risk factors in adolescents’ involvement in violent behaviours|journal=Journal of Aggression, Conflict and Peace Research|volume=7|issue=1|pages=2–18|url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/JACPR-09-2013-0025|doi=10.1108/jacpr-09-2013-0025}}</ref> Conviction [[statistics]] are thought by some to show people convicted for animal cruelty to be more likely to be violent to humans, leading experts to believe that decreasing animal abuse will, in turn, decrease domestic violence.<ref>{{cite web|title=Animal Cruelty and Human Violence|url=http://www.humanesociety.org/issues/abuse_neglect/qa/cruelty_violence_connection_faq.html|website=The Humane Society of The United States|accessdate=6 October 2015}}</ref> Meanwhile, others explain apparent correlation by [[criminal court]]s more often convicting the former for the latter crime as a [[self-fulfilling prophecy]], without any actual link between the two types of actions.<ref>Delinquent Networks Youth Co-Offending in Stockholm, Jerzy Sarnecki December 2001</ref><ref>Hopkins Burke, R. (2001) An Introduction to Criminological Theory, Cullompton</ref> Others argue that [[psychiatry]] and other authorities outside of courts keep records of who have been cruel to animals and can make biased guesses about whether or not they did violence to humans thereafter and also that they conversely record people who have been violent to humans and can be more biased towards later assuming them to have been cruel to animals, explaining apparent links by institutional bias without link between the actions themselves.<ref>Psychiatric Bias and Bigotry in Mainstream Corporate Media, Don Weitz</ref><ref>Overt Psychiatric Bias - NICE Guidelines Development Group, 24 October 2006</ref>

Intentional acts of cruelty can lead to multiple years behind bars.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://nypost.com/2013/03/23/brooklyn-man-furious-his-roommate-wanted-to-move-out-allegedly-murdered-her-fish/|title=Brooklyn man furious his roommate wanted to move out allegedly murdered her fish|last=Schram|first=Jamie|date=23 March 2013|publisher=[[New York Post]]|accessdate=28 August 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://kfrog.cbslocal.com/2013/03/25/the-frogmens-stupid-news-man-busted-for-killing-fish-allergic-to-exercise/|title=Man Busted For Killing Fish & Allergic To Exercise |last=Green|first=Kelli|date=25 March 2013|publisher=K-FROG 95.1 FM and 92.9 FM|accessdate=28 August 2014|quote=A roommate dispute resulted in one death, the death of fish. Jose Santiago was charged with animal cruelty and assault after he flushed his roommate’s pet fish.}}</ref> These acts (of intentional animal cruelty or non-accidental injury) may be indicators of serious psychological problems.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pet-abuse.com/pages/animal_cruelty.php |title=Pet-Abuse.Com – Animal Cruelty |publisher=Pet-abuse.com |accessdate=2010-03-17}}</ref><ref>https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/loudoun-program-underscores-the-link-between-domestic-violence-animal-abuse/2014/09/23/9c4f9512-432a-11e4-b47c-f5889e061e5f_story.htm</ref> According to the [[American Humane Association]], 13% of intentional animal abuse cases involve domestic violence.<ref>[http://www.americanhumane.org/interaction/support-the-bond/fact-sheets/animal-abuse-domestic-violence.html Facts About Animal Abuse & Domestic Violence] ''[[American Humane Association]]'' Accessed 12 November 2006</ref> As many as 71% of pet-owning women seeking shelter at [[women's shelter|safe houses]] have reported that their partner had threatened and/or actually hurt or killed one or more of their pets; 32% of these women reported that one or more of their children had also hurt or killed pets. Battered women report that they are prevented from leaving their abusers because they fear what will happen to the animals in their absence. Animal abuse is sometimes used as a form of [[intimidation]] in domestic disputes.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.animaltherapy.net/DomesticViolence.html |title=Domestic Violence &amp; the Animal Abuse Link |publisher=Animaltherapy.net |accessdate=2008-11-06}}</ref>

One of the known warning signs of certain [[psychopathology|psychopathologies]], including [[antisocial personality disorder]], also known as psychopathic personality disorder, is a history of torturing pets and small animals, a behavior known as [[zoosadism]]. According to the ''[[New York Times]]'', "[t]he FBI has found that a history of cruelty to animals is one of the traits that regularly appears in its computer records of serial [[rape|rapists]] and [[serial killer|murderers]], and the standard diagnostic and treatment manual for psychiatric and emotional disorders lists cruelty to animals a diagnostic criterion for [[conduct disorder]]s.<ref name="aggression-v-animals">{{cite book
| last = Felthous
| first = Alan R.
| title = Aggression against Cats, Dogs, and People. In Cruelty to Animals and Interpersonal Violence: Readings in Research and Applications.
| publisher = Purdue University Press
| year = 1998
| location = West Lafayette, Indiana
| pages = 159–167 }}</ref> "A survey of psychiatric patients who had repeatedly tortured dogs and cats found all of them had high levels of aggression toward people as well, including one patient who had murdered a young boy."<ref name="aggression-v-animals" /> Robert K. Ressler, an agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation's behavioral sciences unit, studied serial killers and noted,"Murderers like this ([[Jeffrey Dahmer]]) very often start out by killing and torturing animals as kids."<ref>{{cite news | url = http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9D0CEEDF113EF934A3575BC0A967958260&scp=309&sq=Daniel+Goleman&st=nyt | title = Clues to a Dark Nurturing Ground for One Serial Killer | publisher = New York Times | date = 1991-08-07 | first=Daniel | last=Goleman | accessdate=2010-04-30}}</ref>

Cruelty to animals is one of the three components of the [[Macdonald triad]], indicators of violent antisocial behavior in children and adolescents. According to the studies used to form this model, cruelty to animals is a common (but not universal) behavior in children and adolescents who grow up to become [[serial killer]]s and other violent criminals.

It has also been found that children who are cruel to animals have often witnessed or been victims of abuse themselves.<ref>A. Duncan ''et al'' [http://www.springerlink.com/content/74324k81086433v0/ Significance of Family Risk Factors in Development of Childhood Animal Cruelty in Adolescent Boys with Conduct Problems] ''Journal of Family Violence'' 20.4 (2005): 235–239</ref> In two separate studies cited by the Humane Society of the United States, roughly one-third of families suffering from domestic abuse indicated that at least one child had hurt or killed a pet.<ref>{{cite web|publisher=[[Humane Society of the United States]] |url=http://www.hsus.org/hsus_field/first_strike_the_connection_between_animal_cruelty_and_human_violence/animal_cruelty_and_family_violence_making_the_connection/ |title=Animal Cruelty and Family Violence: Making the Connection |accessdate=2008-10-26 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/20081025001436/http://www.hsus.org:80/hsus_field/first_strike_the_connection_between_animal_cruelty_and_human_violence/animal_cruelty_and_family_violence_making_the_connection/ |archivedate=October 25, 2008 }}</ref>

===Cultural rituals===
Many times, when [[Asiatic elephant]]s are captured in [[Thailand]], handlers use a technique known as the [[training crush]], in which "handlers use sleep-deprivation, hunger, and thirst to 'break' the elephants' spirit and make them submissive to their owners"; moreover, handlers drive nails into the elephants' ears and feet.<ref name=Hile>{{cite web|url=http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2002/10/1016_021016_phajaan.html|title=Activists Denounce Thailand's Elephant "Crushing" Ritual|last=Hile|first=Jennifer|date=16 October 2002|work=[[National Geographic Society]]|accessdate=1 October 2014|quote=Just before dawn in the remote highlands of northern Thailand, west of the village Mae Jaem, a four-year-old elephant bellows as seven village men stab nails into her ears and feet. She is tied up and immobilized in a small, wooden cage. Her cries are the only sounds to interrupt the otherwise quiet countryside. The cage is called a "training crush." It's the centerpiece of a centuries-old ritual in northern Thailand designed to domesticate young elephants. In addition to beatings, handlers use sleep-deprivation, hunger, and thirst to "break" the elephants' spirit and make them submissive to their owners.}}</ref>

The practice of cruelty to animals for divination purposes is found in ancient cultures, and some modern religions such as [[Santeria]] continue to do animal sacrifices for healing and other rituals. [[Taghairm]] was performed by ancient Scots to summon devils.

===TV and film making===
Animal cruelty has long been an issue with the art form of [[filmmaking]], with even some big-budget [[Hollywood]] films receiving criticism for allegedly harmful—and sometimes lethal—treatment of animals during production. One of the most infamous examples of animal cruelty in film was [[Michael Cimino]]'s legendary flop ''[[Heaven's Gate (film)|Heaven's Gate]]'', in which numerous animals were brutalized and even killed during production. Cimino allegedly killed chickens and bled horses from the neck to gather samples of their blood to smear on actors for ''Heaven's Gate'', and also allegedly had a horse blown up with [[dynamite]] while shooting a battle sequence, the shot of which made it into the film. After the release of the film ''[[Reds (film)|Reds]]'', the star and director of the picture, [[Warren Beatty]] apologized for his Spanish film crew's use of [[tripwire]]s on horses while filming a battle scene, when Beatty wasn't present. Tripwires were used against horses when ''[[Rambo III]]'' and ''[[The Thirteenth Warrior]]'' were being filmed. An [[ox]] was sliced nearly in half during production of ''[[Apocalypse Now]]'', while a donkey was bled to death for dramatic effect for the film ''[[Manderlay]]'', in a scene later cut from the film.

There is a case of cruelty to animals in the [[South Korea]]n film ''[[The Isle]]'', according to its director [[Kim Ki-Duk]].<ref>Andy McKeague, [http://dvd.monstersandcritics.com/news/article_7779.php An Interview with Kim Ki-Duk and Suh Jung on The Isle] at monstersandcritics.com, May 11, 2005. Retrieved March 11, 2006.</ref> In the film, a real [[frog]] is skinned alive while [[fish]] are mutilated. Seven animals were killed for the camera in the controversial [[Italy|Italian]] film ''[[Cannibal Holocaust]]''.<ref name="Fango">{{cite web | url=http://www.bloody-disgusting.com/news/4101 | title=Pointless Cannibal Holocaust Sequel in the Works | publisher=Fangoria | accessdate=2007-01-13}}</ref> The images in the film include the slow and graphic beheading and ripping apart of a [[turtle]], a [[monkey]] being beheaded and its brains being consumed by natives and a [[spider]] being chopped apart. In fact, ''Cannibal Holocaust'' was only one film in a collective of similarly themed movies ([[cannibal films]]) that featured unstaged animal cruelty. Their influences were rooted in the films of [[Mondo film]]makers, which sometimes contained similar content. In several countries, such as the UK, ''Cannibal Holocaust'' was only allowed for release with most of the animal cruelty edited out.

More recently, the video sharing site [[YouTube]] has been criticized for hosting thousands of videos of real life animal cruelty, especially the feeding of one animal to another for the purposes of entertainment and spectacle. Although some of these videos have been flagged as inappropriate by users, YouTube has generally declined to remove them, unlike videos which include [[copyright infringement]].<ref>Times online, [http://technology.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/tech_and_web/the_web/article2284380.ece timesonline.co.uk] August 19, 2007. Retrieved August 25, 2007.</ref><ref>[http://web.archive.org/web/20080105110831/http://www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk/pfk/pages/item.php?news=1255 Uproar at fish cruelty on YouTube]. practicalfishkeeping.co.uk. May 17, 2007.</ref>

The [[Screen Actors Guild]] (SAG) has contracted with the [[American Humane Association]] (AHA) for monitoring of animal use during filming or while on the set.<ref>[http://web.archive.org/web/20080616193950/http://www.sag.org/entertainment-industry-faq Entertainment Industry FAQ]</ref> Compliance with this arrangement is voluntary and only applies to films made in the United States. Films monitored by the American Humane Association may bear one of their end-credit messages. Many productions, including those made in the US, do not advise AHA or SAG of animal use in films, so there is no oversight.<ref>[http://web.archive.org/web/20101110015309/http://www.americanhumane.org/protecting-animals/programs/no-animals-were-harmed/movie-rating-system.html Movie Rating System. Earning Our Disclaimer]. americanhumane.org</ref>

Simulations of animal cruelty exist on [[television]], too. On the September 23, 1999 edition of [[WWE]] [[Smackdown!]], a plot line had professional wrestler [[Ray Traylor|Big Boss Man]] trick fellow wrestler [[Al Snow]] into appearing to eat his pet [[chihuahua (dog)|chihuahua]] Pepper.<ref>[http://alsnowshead.tripod.com/pepper.html Pepper Tribute]. Alsnowshead.tripod.com (1999-09-03). Retrieved on 2011-12-14.</ref><ref>[http://web.archive.org/web/20081120151041/http://www.lordsofpain.net/news/2002_/articles/1038994515.php The Wrestling Menu #25 – The History Of Al Snow]. December 4, 2002</ref>

===Circuses===
The use of animals in the [[circus]] has been controversial since animal welfare groups have documented instances of animal cruelty during the training of performing animals. Numerous instances of animal abuse in circuses have been documented such as confining enclosures, lack of regular veterinary care, abusive training methods and lack of oversight by regulating bodies.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.humanesociety.org/assets/pdfs/wildlife/circus/2004_HSUS_Circus_Incidents.pdf |format=PDF| title = Circus Incidents: Attacks, Abuse and Property Damage | publisher = [[Humane Society of the United States]] | date = 2004-06-01 | accessdate = 2015-12-15 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.humanesociety.org/issues/circuses_entertainment/facts/circus_facts.html| title = Circuses | publisher = [[Humane Society of the United States]] | accessdate = 2015-12-15}}</ref> Animal trainers have argued that some criticism is not based in fact, including beliefs that animals are hurt by being shouted at, that caging is cruel and common, and the harm caused by the use of whips, chains or training implements.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.lionden.com/faqs.htm#+Do%20circus%20trainers/handlers%20abuse%20animals | last = Patton | first = K | date = 2007-04-01 |accessdate = 2008-05-23 | title = Frequently Asked Questions: Do circus trainers/handlers abuse animals? | publisher = lionden.com }}</ref>

Some circuses now present animal-free acts.<ref>{{cite web|title=Circuses|url=http://www.peta.org/issues/animals-in-entertainment/circuses/|website=Peta.org|accessdate=2015-12-15}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Animal free circuses|url=http://www.mediapeta.com/peta/pdf/Animal-Free-Circuses-pdf.pdf}}</ref> Bolivia has enacted what animal rights activists called the world's first ban on all animals in circuses.<ref>[http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/jul/31/bolivia-bans-circus-animals Bolivia bans all circus animals]. Associated Press (via Guardian). 31 July 2009. Retrieved on 2011-12-14.</ref>

===Bullfighting===
[[File:Stier geveld5.jpg|thumb|left|Bull dying in a bullfight]]
[[Bullfighting]] is criticized by animal rights or animal welfare activists, referring to it as a cruel or barbaric [[blood sport]] in which the bull suffers severe stress and a slow, torturous death.<ref>{{cite web|1= |publisher=League Against Cruel Sports |title=What is bullfighting? |url=http://www.league.org.uk/content.asp?CategoryID=1938 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/20110930072409/http://www.league.org.uk/content.asp?CategoryID=1938 |archivedate=September 30, 2011 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | publisher= | title = Running of the Bulls Factsheet | url = http://www.runningofthenudes.com/bullfighting_facts.asp}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | publisher = Irish Council Against Blood Sports | title = ICABS calls on Vodafone to drop bullfighting from ad | url = http://www.banbloodsports.com/ln-0807c.htm}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title = The suffering of bullfighting bulls | url = http://english.stieren.net/index.php?id=390}}</ref> A number of activist groups undertake anti-bullfighting actions in Spain and other countries. In Spanish, opposition to bullfighting is referred to as ''antitaurismo''.

''The Bulletpoint Bullfight'' warns that bullfighting is "not for the squeamish", advising spectators to "be prepared for blood". It details prolonged and profuse bleeding caused by horse-mounted lancers, the charging by the bull of a blindfolded, armored horse who is "sometimes doped up, and unaware of the proximity of the bull", the placing of barbed darts by banderilleros, followed by the matador's fatal sword thrust. It stresses that these procedures are a normal part of bullfighting and that death is rarely instantaneous. It further warns those attending bullfights to "be prepared to witness various failed attempts at killing the animal before it lies down."<ref>''The Bulletpoint Bullfight'', p. 6, ISBN 978-1-4116-7400-4</ref>

====Toro embolado====
The "[[Medinaceli|Toro Jubilo]]" or [[Toro embolado]] in [[Province of Soria|Soria]], [[Medinaceli]], Spain, is a festival associated with animal cruelty. During this festival, balls of pitch are attached to a bull's horns and set on fire. The bull is then released into the streets and can do nothing but run around in pain, often smashing into walls in an attempt to douse the fire. These fiery balls can burn for hours, and they burn the bull's horns, body, and eyes – all while spectators cheer and run around the victim. The animal rights group [[PACMA]] has described the fiesta as "a clear example of animal mistreatment", and [[PETA]] calls it "a sadistic festival".<ref>Typically Spanish - Spain News, [http://www.typicallyspanish.com/news/publish/article_32664.shtml Toro Jubilo fiesta returns to Medinaceli, Soria ]</ref><ref>PETA, [http://action.peta.org.uk/ea-campaign/clientcampaign.do?ea.client.id=5&ea.campaign.id=4590&c=pukfpaa Help Stop the Sadistic 'Fire Bull' Festival in Soria]</ref><ref>'Toro Jubilo' 2011 en Medinaceli, [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sKLn8uGCguk on YouTube]</ref>

===Crush films===
{{Main|Crush film}}
{{Globalize/US|date=March 2010}}
Animal [[snuff films]], known as [[crush film]]s can be found on the Internet. These films depict instances of animal cruelty, and/or pornographic acts with animals, usually involving the death of an animal, including insects, mice, rats, guinea pigs, hamsters, monkeys, birds, cats, and dogs. In 1999, the U.S. government banned the depiction of animal cruelty; however, the law was overturned by the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals which ruled that the category "depiction of animal cruelty" contained in the law was not an exception to First Amendment protections.<ref>[http://www.law.com/jsp/article.jsp?id=1202423147825 3rd Circuit Strikes Down Law Criminalizing Sale of Animal Cruelty Depictions]. Law.com (2008-07-22). Retrieved on 2011-12-14.</ref> In an 8–1 decision handed down in April 2010, the [[Supreme Court of the United States|U.S. Supreme Court]] agreed with the lower court's ruling, but on the grounds that the law was unconstitutionally broad. The case itself did not involve crush films, but rather, a video that in part depicted dogfighting.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.capitalpress.com/AP-Supreme-Court-pit-bull-videos-042010|agency=Associated Press|title=Court voids law aimed at animal cruelty videos|first=Mark|last=Sherman|date=April 10, 2010|accessdate=April 10, 2010}}</ref>

[[File:Q 005717HoreseInGasMaskPilckemRidge31October1917.jpg|thumb|A horse with a gas mask during [[World War I]]]]

===Warfare===
[[Military animal]]s are creatures that have been employed by humankind for use in [[war]]fare. They are a specific application of [[working animal]]s. Examples include [[Horses in warfare|horses]], [[Dogs in warfare|dogs]] and [[Military dolphin|dolphin]]s. Only recently has the involvement of animals in war been questioned, and practices such as using animals for fighting, as living bombs (as in the use of [[exploding donkey]]s) or for military [[Animal testing|testing]] purposes (such as during the [[Bikini atomic experiments]]) may now be criticised for being cruel.<ref name="aa-war">
{{cite web
|url=http://www.animalaid.org.uk/h/n/NEWS/news_other/ALL/913//
|title=Animals in War – The unseen casualties
|publisher=Animal Aid
|date=2003-06-01
|accessdate=2009-09-05
}}
</ref><ref name="peta-war">
{{cite web
|url=http://www.peta.org/feat/military/
|title=The Military's War on Animals
|publisher=PETA
|accessdate=2009-09-05
}}
</ref> Princess Anne, the Princess Royal, the patron of the British Animals in War Memorial, stated that animals adapt to what humans want them to do, but that they will not do things that they don't want to, despite training.<ref name="telegraph-war">
{{cite news
|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/3626468/They-served-and-suffered-for-us.html
|title=They served and suffered for us
|publisher=The Daily Telegraph
|date=2004-11-01
|accessdate=2009-09-05
| location=London
| first=Eluned
| last=Price
}}
</ref> Animal participation in human conflict was commemorated in the United Kingdom in 2004 with the erection of the [[Animals in War Memorial]] in [[Hyde Park, London|Hyde Park]], [[London]].<ref name="bbc-memorial">
{{cite news
|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/4037873.stm
|title=Animal war heroes statue unveiled
|publisher=The Daily Telegraph
|date=2004-11-24
|accessdate=2009-09-05
}}
</ref>

In 2008 a video of a [[United States Marine Corps|US Marine]] throwing a puppy over a cliff during the [[Iraq conflict]] was popularised as an [[internet meme|internet phenomenon]] and attracted widespread criticism of the soldier's actions for being an act of cruelty.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/iraq/article3481977.ece |title=Puppy-toss video makes Marine figure of hate |publisher=The Times |date=4 March 2008 |accessdate=4 September 2009 | location=London | first=Philippe | last=Naughton}}</ref>

===Unnecessary scientific experiments or demonstrations===
Under all three of the conceptual approaches to animal cruelty discussed above, performing unnecessary experiments or demonstrations upon animals that cause them substantial pain or distress may be viewed as cruelty. Due to changes in ethical standards, this type of cruelty tends to be less common today that it used to be in the past. For example, schoolroom demonstrations of oxygen depletion routinely suffocated birds by placing them under a glass cover,<ref>[https://archive.org/stream/lairetlemondear00manggoog#page/n56/mode/1up Arthur Mangin, L'air et le monde aèrien, 1865, p.42]</ref> and animals were suffocated in the [[Cave of Dogs]]<ref>Taylor, An Account of the Grotta del Cane; With Remarks Upon Suffocation by Carbonic Acid, The London Medical and Physical Journal, 1832, 278-285.[https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=eegEAAAAQAAJ&pg=RA1-PA278&lpg=RA1-PA278&dq=An+account+of+the+Grotta+del+Cane&source=bl&ots=uHmS5DBVLg&sig=xizJ0VWyEyWaAedKYknv1pxUI0c&hl=en&sa=X&ei=1zMNVeeKIsvcapCcgoAC&ved=0CDYQ6AEwAw#v=onepage&q=An%20account%20of%20the%20Grotta%20del%20Cane&f=false]</ref><ref>Fleming & Johnson, Toxic Airs: Body, Place, Planet in Historical Perspective, Pittsburgh, 255-256.</ref><ref>Kroonenberg, Why Hell Stinks of Sulfur: Mythology and Geology of the Underworld, Chicago, 2013, 41-45.</ref> to demonstrate the density and toxicity of carbon dioxide to curious travellers on the [[Grand Tour]].

===No pet policies and abandonment===
Many apartment complexes and rental homes institute no pet policies. No pet policies are a leading cause of animal abandonment, which is considered a crime in many jurisdictions. In many cases, abandoned pets have to be euthanized due to the strain they put on animal shelters and rescue groups. Abandoned animals often become feral or contribute to feral populations. In particular, feral dogs can pose a serious threat to pets, children, and livestock.<ref>http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2003/08/0821_030821_straydogs.html</ref> Feral cats are known to hunt endangered birds and have interbred with wild cat populations.

In [[Ontario, Canada]], no pet policies are outlawed under the Ontario Landlord and Tenant Act and are considered invalid even when a tenant signs a lease including a no pets clause.<ref>http://www.thestar.com/life/homes/2012/12/07/why_nopet_rental_clauses_lack_teeth.html</ref> Similar legislation has also been considered in [[Manitoba]].<ref>http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/no-pet-policy-for-man-renters-could-be-outlawed-1.932467</ref>

==Laws by country==
[[File:Chat plombé.jpg|thumb|Chest X-ray of a cat that has been shot. White spots are lead shot.]]
Many jurisdictions around the world have enacted statutes which forbid cruelty to some animals but these vary by country and in some cases by the use or practice.

===Africa===

====Egypt====
Egyptian law states that anyone who inhumanely beats or intentionally kills any domesticated animal may be jailed or fined.<ref>[http://www.sparelives.org/Animal_Legislations.pdf Legislature Related to Animals in Egyptian Law] {{wayback|url=http://www.sparelives.org/Animal_Legislations.pdf |date=20110728044038 }}</ref> The Egyptian Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals was established by the British over a hundred years ago, and is currently administered by the Egyptians. The SPCA was instrumental in promoting a 1997 ban on bullfighting in Egypt.<ref>[http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/2003/654/li1.htm Humanity, through animal care]. Weekly.ahram.org.eg (2003-09-10). Retrieved on 2011-12-14.</ref>

In the ancient Egyptian law, the killers of cats or dogs were executed.<ref>[http://dogsinthenews.com/issues/0207/articles/020714a.htm (Not-So-) BIZARRE DOG LAW California Man Faces Life in Prison for Killing Dog; and Tennessee Judge Slam-Dunks Puppy Mill Owners] July 14, 2002 Dogs in the News {{wayback|url=http://dogsinthenews.com/issues/0207/articles/020714a.htm |date=20091219231324 }}</ref><ref>{{cite book|author=Dennis C. Turner|title=The domestic cat: the biology of its behaviour|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kO5y0fnLUD4C&pg=PA185|accessdate=15 December 2011|date=26 June 2000|publisher=Cambridge University Press|isbn=978-0-521-63648-3|pages=185–}}</ref>

====South Sudan====
The Criminal Code of [[South Sudan]] has laws against maltreatment of animals. The laws read:<ref>http://www.sudantribune.com/IMG/pdf/penal_code_act_2008.pdf</ref>

''196. Ill-treatment of Domestic Animal''.
:Whoever cruelly beats, tortures or otherwise willfully ill-treats any tame, domestic or wild animal, which has previously been deprived of its liberty, or arranges, promotes or organizes fights between cocks, rams, bulls or other domestic animals or encourages such acts, commits an offence, and upon conviction, shall be sentenced to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two months or with a fine.

''197. Riding and Neglect of Animal''.
:Whoever wantonly rides, overdrives or overloads any animal or intentionally drugs or employs any animal, which by reason of age, sickness, wounds or infirmity is not in a condition to work, or neglects any animal in such a manner as to cause it unnecessary suffering, commits an offence, and upon conviction, shall be sentenced to imprisonment for a term not exceeding one month or with a fine or with both.

===Americas===

====Argentina====
In [[Argentina]], National Law 14346 sanctions with from 15 days to one year in prison those who mistreat or inflict acts of cruelty on animals.<ref>{{cite web|title=LEY 14346 - MALOS TRATOS Y ACTOS DE CRUELDAD A LOS ANIMALES|url=http://www.cmc.unl.edu.ar/docs/LEY%2014346.pdf|publisher=Gobierno República de Argentina|accessdate=7 September 2013}}</ref>

====Canada====
In Canada, it is an offence under the Criminal Code to intentionally cause unnecessary pain, suffering or injury to an animal.<ref name ="CC cruelty to animals">[http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/C-46/page-209.html#s-445. "Cruelty to Animals"], Criminal Code, s. 445.1.</ref> Poisoning animals is specifically prohibited.<ref name ="CC cruelty to animals"/><ref>[http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/C-46/page-209.html#s-445. "Cattle and Other Animals"], Criminal Code, s. 445.</ref> It is also an offence to threaten to harm an animal belonging to someone else.<ref>[http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/C-46/page-132.html#h-83 "Assaults"], Criminal Code, s. 264.1(1)(c).</ref> Most provinces and Territories also have their own animal protection legislation.<ref>[http://www.afac.ab.ca/Public/Teachers/awlcanada.pdf "A Report on Animal Welfare Law in Canada"], Alberta Farm Animal Care, June 2004.</ref>

The [[Animal Legal Defense Fund]] releases an annual report ranking the animal protection laws of every province and territory based on their relative strength and general comprehensiveness. In 2014, the top four jurisdictions were [[Manitoba]], [[British Columbia]], [[Ontario]] and [[Nova Scotia]]. The worst four were [[Saskatchewan]], [[Northwest Territories]], [[Quebec]], and [[Nunavut]].<ref>[http://aldf.org/press-room/press-releases/2014-canadian-animal-protection-laws-rankings/2014 "2014 Canadian Animal Protection Laws Rankings"], June 5, 2014, Animal Legal Defense Fund, report available for download at link.</ref>

====Chile====
Law 20380 established sanctions including fines, from 2 to 30 Mensual Tributary Units, and prison, from 541 days to 3 years, for those involved in acts of animal cruelty. Also, it promotes animal care through school education, and establishes a Bioethics Committee to define policies related to experiments with animals.<ref>{{cite web|title=Ley 20380, SOBRE PROTECCIÓN DE ANIMALES|url=http://www2.sag.gob.cl/Pecuaria/bvo/BVO_11_I_semestre_2010/PDF_articulos/ley_20380_3-10-09_protecc_animales.pdf|publisher=MINISTERIO DE SALUD; SUBSECRETARÍA DE SALUD PÚBLICA|accessdate=7 September 2013|language=Spanish|date=October 2009}}</ref>

====Colombia====
In [[Colombia]], there is little control over cruel behaviors against animals, and the government has proposed that [[bullfighting]] be declared a "[[Cultural Heritage]]"; other cruel activities like [[cockfighting]] are given the same legal treatment.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://cultoro.com/blog/2012/10/17/el-gobierno-colombiano-se-compromete-a-que-los-toros-sean-patrimonio-cultual/|title=Colombian president offers to grant bullfighting status of cultural heritage| accessdate= 17 October 2012}}</ref>

====Mexico====
The current policy of [[Mexico]], in [[Civil law (legal system)|civil law]], condemns physical harm to animals as [[property]] damage to the owners of the abused animal, considering the animals as owned property.

In [[criminal law]], the situation is different. In December 2012, the [[Legislative Assembly of the Federal District]] reformed the existing Penal Code of [[Mexico City]], establishing abuse and cruelty to animals as criminal offenses, provided the animals are not deemed to be plagues or [[pest (organism)|pests]]. Abandoned animals are not considered to be plagues. A subsequent reform was entered into force on January 31, 2013, by a decree published in the Official Gazette of the Federal District. The law provides penalties of 6 months to 2 years imprisonment, and a fine of 50 to 100 days at minimum wage, to persons who cause obvious injury to an animal, and the penalty is increased by one half if those injuries endanger its life. The penalty rises to 2 to 4 years of prison, and a fine of 200 to 400 days at minimum wage, if the person intentionally causes the death of an animal.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://el5poder.org/blogs/entry/Por-fin-reforma-al-C-digo-Penal-del-D-F-sobre-maltrato-animal|title=Finally, reform to the Penal Code of Mexico City on animal abuse |accessdate= 9 February 2013}}</ref>

This law is considered to extend throughout the rest of the 31 constituent states of the country. In addition, The Law of Animal Protection of the Federal District is wide-ranging, based on banning "unnecessary suffering". Similar laws now exist in most states.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.oem.com.mx/laprensa/notas/n2827566.htm|title=Lawmakers seek to position Federal enforcement of the Law of Animal Protection of the Federal District |accessdate= 9 February 2013}}</ref>

====United States====
The primary federal law relating to animal care and conditions in the US is the [[Animal Welfare Act of 1966]], amended in 1970, 1976, 1985, 1990, 2002 and 2007. It is the only Federal law in the United States that regulates the treatment of animals in research, exhibition, transport, and by dealers. Other laws, policies, and guidelines may include additional species coverage or specifications for animal care and use, but all refer to the Animal Welfare Act as the minimum acceptable standard.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nal.usda.gov/awic/pubs/AWA2007/intro.shtml|title=Legislative History of the Animal Welfare Act |accessdate= 7 April 2010}}</ref>

The AWA has been criticized by [[animal rights]] groups for excluding birds, rats and mice bred for research, and animals raised for food or fiber as well as all cold-blooded animals.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.peta.org/mc/factsheet_display.asp?ID=80 |title=The Animal Welfare Act |accessdate=7 April 2010 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/20090429005431/http://www.peta.org/mc/factsheet_display.asp?ID=80 |archivedate=April 29, 2009 }}</ref>

The [[Animal Legal Defense Fund]] releases an annual report ranking the [[animal rights|animal protection laws]] of every state based on their relative strength and general comprehensiveness. In 2013's report, the top five states for their strong anti-cruelty laws were [[Illinois]], [[Maine]], [[Michigan]], [[Oregon]], and [[California]].The five states with the weakest animal cruelty laws in 2013 were [[Kentucky]], [[Iowa]], [[South Dakota]], [[New Mexico]], and [[Wyoming]].<ref>[http://aldf.org/press-room/press-releases/annual-study-names-2013s-top-five-states-to-be-an-animal-abuser/ Annual Study Names 2013's "Top Five States to be an Animal Abuser"]</ref>

In [[Massachusetts]] and [[New York]], agents of humane societies and associations may be appointed as special officers to enforce statutes outlawing animal cruelty.<ref>[http://www.ccja-acjp.ca/en/cjcr/cjcr93.html Book Review: Brute Force: Animal Police and the Challenge of Cruelty]. Ccja-acjp.ca. Retrieved on 2011-12-14.</ref>

In 2004, a [[Florida]] legislator proposed a ban on "cruelty to bovines," stating: "A person who, for the purpose of practice, [[entertainment]], or sport, intentionally fells, trips, or otherwise causes a cow to fall or lose its balance by means of roping, lassoing, dragging, or otherwise touching the tail of the cow commits a [[misdemeanor]] of the first degree."<ref name="floridaban">{{cite web | last = Emery | first = David | title = Florida to Consider Ban on Cow Tipping | publisher = About.com | url = http://urbanlegends.about.com/b/a/058976.htm | accessdate = 2007-06-07}}</ref> The proposal did not become law.<ref name="floridaban"/>

In the United States, [[cropping (animal)|ear cropping]], [[docking (animal)|tail docking]], rodeo sports, and other acts are legal and sometimes condoned. Penalties for cruelty can be minimal, if pursued. Currently, 46 of the 50 states have enacted felony penalties for certain forms of animal abuse.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aldf.org/article.php?id=261 |title=ALDF: U.S. Jurisdictions With and Without Felony Animal Cruelty Provisions |publisher=Aldf.org |accessdate=2009-04-29}}</ref> However, in most jurisdictions, animal cruelty is most commonly charged as a misdemeanor offense. In one recent California case, a felony conviction for animal cruelty could theoretically net a 25-year to life sentence due to their [[three-strikes law]], which increases sentences based on prior felony convictions.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.insidesocal.com/crime/2007/10/accused-dog-killer-an-excon-co.html|title=Accused Dog Killer Could Get 25 Years to Life in Prison |accessdate=2008-11-06}}</ref>

In 2003, West Hollywood, California passed an ordinance banning [[Onychectomy|declawing]] of house cats.<ref>[http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/2007/10/11/BA4MSO436.DTL&type=politics Judge allows California cities to ban cat declawing]. Sfgate.com (2007-10-11). Retrieved on 2011-12-14. {{wayback|url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/2007/10/11/BA4MSO436.DTL&type=politics |date=20071218111300 }}</ref> In 2007, Norfolk, Virginia passed legislation only allowing the procedure for medical reasons.<ref>[http://www.wtkr.com/Global/story.asp?S=6427984 Norfolk Bans De-Clawing Of Cats] {{wayback|url=http://www.wtkr.com/Global/story.asp?S=6427984 |date=20081211210727 }}</ref> However, most jurisdictions allow the procedure.

In April 2013, Texas Federal Court Judge [[Sim Lake]] ruled<ref>http://www.politico.com/blogs/under-the-radar/2013/04/animal-crush-video-charges-dismissed-in-first-case-162412.html</ref> that the [[Animal Crush Video Prohibition Act of 2010]], which criminalized the recording, sale, and transport of videos depicting animal cruelty as obscenity, is in violation of the [[First Amendment to the United States Constitution|First Amendment]]. Judge Lake noted that obscenity tests require an explicitly sexual depiction, which the criminalized videos lack. This follows the precedent set by [[United States v. Stevens]], which additionally held that restrictions on the possession of animal cruelty videos were unconstitutional.

=====State welfare laws=====
Several states have enacted or considered laws in support of humane farming.
* On November 5, 2002, Florida voters passed Amendment 10 by a margin of 55% for, amending the Florida Constitution to ban the confinement of pregnant pigs in [[gestation crate]]s.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.porknet.com/archive/110702.html#96977 | title= PorkNet Newsletter | publisher=MetaFarms.com, Inc | date=2002-11-07 | accessdate=2008-07-03}}</ref>
* On January 14, 2004, the bill AB-732 died in the California Assembly's Agriculture Committee.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.senate.ca.gov/sfa/2004/_04_DL04.HTM |title=Criminal Justice and Judiciary |publisher=California State Senate |year=2004 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110218070048/http://www.senate.ca.gov/sfa/2004/_04_DL04.HTM |archivedate=February 18, 2011 }}</ref> The bill would have banned gestation and veal crates, eventually being amended to include only veal crates.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://info.sen.ca.gov/pub/03-04/bill/asm/ab_0701-0750/ab_732_cfa_20040114_122451_asm_comm.html | title= AB-732 Analysis | publisher=California State Assembly | date=2008-01-14}}</ref> On May 9, 2007, the bill AB-594 was withdrawn from the California State Assembly. The bill had been effectively killed in the Assembly Agriculture Committee, by replacing the contents of the bill with language concerning tobacco cessation coverage under Medi-Cal.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.asm.ca.gov/acs/committee/c53/publications/2007%20Mid%20Year%20Summary.doc |title=2007 Mid Year Summary |publisher=California Assembly Committee on Agriculture |year=2007 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/20100110063726/http://www.asm.ca.gov/acs/committee/c53/publications/2007%20Mid%20Year%20Summary.doc |archivedate=January 10, 2010 }}</ref> AB-594 was very similar to the current language of [[California Proposition 2 (2008)|Proposition 2]].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://info.sen.ca.gov/pub/07-08/bill/asm/ab_0551-0600/ab_594_cfa_20070508_133457_asm_comm.html | title= AB-594 Analysis | publisher=California State Assembly | date=2008-05-09}}</ref>
* On November 7, 2006, Arizona voters passed [[Proposition 204]] with 62% support. The measure prohibits the confinement of calves in veal crates and breeding sows in gestation crates.<ref>Andrea Johnson, "[http://www.farmandranchguide.com/news/livestock/polls-indicate-strong-support-for-pen-gestation-for-hogs/article_75ea7ecf-d292-5397-b056-63ff36c4b671.html Polls Indicate Strong Support for Pen Gestation for Hogs]. March 29, 2007</ref>
* On June 28, 2007, Oregon Governor [[Ted Kulongoski]] signed a measure into law prohibiting the confinement of pigs in gestation crates (SB 694, 74th Leg. Assembly, Regular Session).<ref>{{cite news | url=http://old.brownfieldagnews.com/gestalt/go.cfm?objectid=96AD5AA7-BEEA-38F9-4397078DB6063307| title= Back door activists gain momentum | publisher=Learfield Communications, Inc. | date=2007-07-05 | accessdate=2008-07-03}}</ref>
*In January 2008, Nebraska State Senate bill LB 1148, to ban the use of gestation crates for pig farmers, was withdrawn within 5 days amidst controversy.<ref>{{cite news | title=Farm Animal Welfare Bill Killed in Legislature | publisher=Omaha World Daily | date=2008-02-17}}</ref>
* On May 14, 2008, Colorado Governor [[Bill Ritter]] signed into law a bill, SB 201, that phases out gestation crates and veal crates.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS239162+14-May-2008+BW20080514 | title= Farm Sanctuary Applauds Colorado for Passing Legislation Phasing out Veal and Gestation Crates | publisher=Reuters | date=2008-05-14 | accessdate=2008-07-03}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.fass.org/page.asp?pageID=312 | title= Farm Animal Welfare Measure Becomes Law | publisher=''Federation of Animal Science Societies (FASS)'' | date=2008-05-14 | accessdate=2008-07-03}}</ref>

====Venezuela====
[[Venezuela]] published a "Law for Protection of Domestic Fauna free and in captivity" in 2010, defining responsibilities and sanctions about animal care and ownership. Animal cruelty acts are fined, but not are not a cause for imprisonment.<ref>{{cite web|title=LEY PARA LA PROTECCIÓN DE LA FAUNA DOMÉSTICA LIBRE Y EN CAUTIVERIO|url=http://images.eluniversal.com//2010/01/06/leyproteccionfauna.pdf|publisher=Diario El Universal|accessdate=7 September 2013|author=Asamblea Nacional de la República Bolivariana de Venezuela}}</ref> The law also forbids the possession, breeding and reproduction of [[pit bull]] dogs, among similar breeds that are alleged to be aggressive and dangerous. It elicited reactions from dog owners, who said that [[aggressiveness in dogs]] is determined more by treatment by the owner than by the breed itself.<ref>{{cite journal|authors=Joaquín Perez Guisado, Andre Muñoz Serrano|title=Factors Linked to Dominance Aggression in Dogs|journal=Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances|year=2009|url=http://www.cfba.co.uk/Factors%20Linked%20to%20Dominance%20Aggression%20in%20Dogs.pdf}}</ref>

===Asia===

====China====
As of 2006 there were no laws in China governing acts of cruelty to animals.<ref>Richard Spencer. [http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/china/1512082/Just-who-is-the-glamorous-kitten-killer-of-Hangzhou.html Just who is the glamorous kitten killer of Hangzhou?] April 3, 2006.</ref> In certain jurisdictions such as [[Fuzhou]], [[animal control officer|dog control officers]] may kill any unaccompanied dogs on sight.
However, the People's Republic of China is currently in the process of making changes to its stray-dog population laws in the capital city, Beijing. Mr. Zheng Gang who is the director of the Internal and Judicial Committee which comes under the Beijing Municipal People's Congress (BMPC), supports the new draft of the Beijing Municipal Regulation on Dogs from the local government. This new law is due to replace the current Beijing Municipal Regulation on Dog Ownership, introduced in 1889. The current regulation talks of "strictly" limiting dog ownership and controlling the number of dogs in the city. The new draft focuses instead on "strict management and combining restrictions with management."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/en/doc/2003-07/18/content_246068.htm |title=Beijing loosens leash on pet dogs |publisher=Chinadaily.com.cn |accessdate=2008-11-06}}</ref> There are no government supported charitable organizations like the [[RSPCA]], which monitors the cases on animal cruelty, so that all kinds of animal abuses, such as to fish, tigers, and bears, are to be reported for law enforcement and [[animal welfare]].<ref name=bcrw>{{cite web|last=SBS Australia |title=The Biggest Chinese Restaurant in the World |url=http://www.sbs.com.au/blogarticle/108747/The-Biggest-Chinese-Resturant-in-the-World/blog/Documentaries-SBS |accessdate=4 November 2008 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20101207035129/http://www.sbs.com.au/blogarticle/108747/The-Biggest-Chinese-Resturant-in-the-World/blog/Documentaries-SBS |archivedate=December 7, 2010 }}</ref><ref name=swii>{{cite web
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Despite the absence of a unified law against animal mistreatment, the [[World Animal Protection]] notes that some legislation protecting the welfare of animals exists in certain contexts, particularly ones used in research and in zoos.<ref>{{cite web|title=China|url=http://api.worldanimalprotection.org/country/china|website=World Animal Protection|accessdate=23 February 2016}}</ref>

In September 2009, legislation was drafted to address deliberate cruelty to animals in China. If passed, the legislation would offer some protection to pets, captive wildlife and animals used in laboratories, as well as regulating how farm animals are raised, transported and slaughtered.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/peterwedderburn/100010449/china-unveils-first-ever-animal-cruelty-legislation/|title=China unveils first ever animal cruelty legislation|date=September 18, 2009|accessdate=2009-09-18 | work=The Daily Telegraph | location=London}}</ref>

====Hong Kong====
As of 2010, Hong Kong has supplemented or replaced the laws against cruelty with a positive approach using laws that specify how animals should be treated.<ref name=HK2010>[http://www.ke.hku.hk/assets/doc/Review-of-Animal-Welfare-Legisaltion-in-HK.pdf Review of Animal Welfare Legislation in Hong Kong] by Amanda S. Whitfort and Fiona M. Woodhouse, June 2010. This document reviews animal welfare laws and compares them to those of Taiwan, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, the European Union, and the United States.</ref>
The government department primarily responsible for animal welfare in Hong Kong is the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD).

Laws enforced by the AFCD include these:
* the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance (also enforced by the police)
* the Public Health (Animals and Birds) Ordinance (including regulations for licences imposed on livestock keepers and animal traders and a Code of Standards for Licensed Animal Traders)
* the Dogs and Cats Ordinance
* the Pounds Ordinance
* the Rabies Ordinance
* the Wild Animals Protection Ordinance
In addition, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) does the following:
* enforces the Public Health and Municipal Services Ordinance, which includes regulations for slaughterhouses and wet markets
* publishes a Code of Practice for the Welfare of Food Animals (which describes their transport)
* publishes Operational Guidelines for the Welfare of Food Animals at Slaughterhouses
The Department of Health does the following:
* enforces the Animals (Control of Experiments) Ordinance.
* publishes a Code of Practice for the Care and Use of Animals for Experimental Purposes

As of 2006, Hong Kong has a law titled "Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance", with a maximum 3 year imprisonment and fines of HKD$200,000.<ref>Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, "[http://www.legislation.gov.hk/blis_ind.nsf/CurAllEngDoc/504FD3C5228778AE88256489000BA497?OpenDocument Penalty for Cruelty to Animals]," ''Prevention of Cruelty to Animals'' (Chapter 169, Section 3) 15 December 2006</ref>

====India====
[[The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act,1960]] was amended in the year 1982.<ref name=oldin>{{cite web|title=The prevention of cruelty to animals act,1960|url=http://envfor.nic.in/legis/awbi/awbi01.pdf|work=Amendments|publisher=Ministry of environment and Forests,Government of India|accessdate=9 February 2012}}</ref>
According to the newly amended ''Indian animal welfare act, 2011'' cruelty to animals is an offence and is punishable with a fine which shall not be less than ten thousand [[Rupees]], which may extend to twenty five thousand Rupees or with imprisonment up to two years or both in the case of a first offence. In the case of second or subsequent offence, with a fine which shall not be less than fifty thousand Rupees, but may extend to one [[lakh]] Rupees and with imprisonment with a term which shall not be less than one year but may extend to three years.<ref name=India>{{cite web|title=Indian animal welfare act 2011|url=http://moef.nic.in/downloads/public-information/draft-animal-welfare-act-2011.pdf|work=Chapter IV.Cruelty to animals|publisher=Ministry of Environment and Forests,Government of India|accessdate=9 February 2012}}</ref>
Many organizations, including ones such as the local [[SPCA]], PFA and [[Fosterdopt]] are actively involved in assisting the general population in reporting cruelty cases to the police and helping bring the perpetrator to justice. Due to this, much of change has been observed through the subcontinent.

====Japan====
{{see also|2002 Japan animal cruelty case}}
In Japan, the 1973 Welfare and Management of Animals Act (amended in 1999 and 2005)<ref>[http://www.cas.go.jp/jp/seisaku/hourei/data/AWMA_2.pdf Act on Welfare and Management of Animals (Act No. 105 of October 1, 1973)]. (PDF) . cas.go.jp (in Japanese and English). Retrieved on 2011-12-14.</ref> stipulates that "no person shall kill, injure, or inflict cruelty to animals without due course", and in particular, criminalises cruelty to all mammals, birds, and reptiles possessed by persons; as well as cattle, horses, goats, sheep, pigs, dogs, cats, pigeons, domestic rabbits, chickens, and domestic ducks regardless of whether they are in captivity.
* Killing or injuring without due reason: up to one year's imprisonment with labour or a fine of up to one million yen
* Cruelty such as causing debilitation by discontinuing feeding or watering without due reason: a fine of up to five hundred thousand yen
* Abandonment: a fine of up to five hundred thousand yen

Separate national and local ordinances exist with regards to ensuring health and safety of animals handled by pet shops and other businesses.

Animal experiments are regulated by the 2000 Law for the Humane Treatment and Management of Animals, which was amended in 2006.<ref>Christopher S. Stevenson, Lisa A. Marshall and Douglas W. Morgan ''Japanese guidelines and regulations for scientific and ethical animal experimentation.'' Progress in Inflammation Research 2nd Edition 2006 p. 187. {{DOI|10.1007/978-3-7643-7520-1_10}}</ref> This law requires those using animals to follow the principles outlined in the 3Rs and use as few animals as possible, and cause minimal distress and suffering. Regulation is at a local level based on national guidelines, but there are no governmental inspections of institutions and no reporting requirement for the numbers of animals used.<ref>[http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld200102/ldselect/ldanimal/150/15004.htm#a10 Select Committee on Animals In Scientific Procedures] Report July 2002, Accessed 23rd August 2007</ref>

====Saudi Arabia====
Veterinarian Lana Dunn and several Saudi nationals report that there are no laws to protect animals from cruelty since the term is not well-defined within the Saudi legal system. They point to a lack of a governing body to supervise conditions for animals, particularly in pet stores and in the exotic animal trade with East Africa.<ref>[http://www.arabnews.com/?page=1&section=0&article=120170&d=12&m=3&y=2009&pix=kingdom.jpg&category=Kingdom Animal lovers lament lack of law against cruelty]. Arabnews.com (2009-03-12). Retrieved on 2011-12-14. {{wayback|url=http://www.arabnews.com/?page=1&section=0&article=120170&d=12&m=3&y=2009&pix=kingdom.jpg&category=Kingdom |date=20150909194315 }}</ref>

====Taiwan====
The Taiwanese Animal Protection Act was passed in 1998, imposing fines up to NT$250,000 for cruelty. Criminal penalties for animal cruelty were enacted in 2007, including a maximum of 1 year imprisonment.<ref>Koahsiung Municipal Institute for Animal Health, "[http://livstock.kcg.gov.tw/Templates/eng-act.htm Laws and Regulations]," ''Animal Protection Act'' last amended 11 July 2007.{{Dead link|date=September 2012}}</ref>

===Europe===

====European Union====
The [[European Union Council Directive 1999/74/EC]]<ref>http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:1999:203:0053:0057:EN:PDF</ref> is a [[Directive (European Union)|directive]] passed by the [[European Union]] on the minimum standards for keeping egg laying hens which effectively bans conventional [[battery cages]]. The directive, passed in 1999, banned conventional battery cages in the EU from January 1, 2012 after a 13-year phase-out.

It is also illegal in many parts of Europe to declaw a cat.<ref>[http://www.dehumane.org/site/DocServer/Declawing_Cats_Manicure_or_Mutilation.pdf Declawing Cats: Manicure or Mutilation?]. dehumane.org</ref>

====France====
In France, cruelty to animals is punishable by imprisonment of two years and a financial penalty (30,000 €).<ref>[http://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/affichCode.do;jsessionid=452F4C2F107FA1ACF4A278F9B6D5ADCF.tpdjo17v_1?idArticle=LEGIARTI000006418952&idSectionTA=LEGISCTA000006149860&cidTexte=LEGITEXT000006070719&dateTexte=20100128]. Legifrance.gouv.fr. Retrieved on 2012-11-28.</ref>

====Germany====
[[File:Stamps of Germany (Berlin) 1972, MiNr 420.jpg|thumb|250px|German stamp depicting a man beating a chained dog. In the upper left corner it reads: protect the animals.]]
In Germany, killing animals or causing significant pain (or prolonged or repeated pain) to them is punishable by imprisonment of up to three years or a financial penalty.<ref>[http://bundesrecht.juris.de/tierschg/__17.html § 17 Tierschutzgesetz (TierSchG)]. Bundesrecht.juris.de. Retrieved on 2011-12-14.</ref>
If the animal is of foreign origin, the act may also be punishable as criminal damage.<ref>[http://bundesrecht.juris.de/stgb/__303.html § 303 Strafgesetzbuch (StGB)]. Bundesrecht.juris.de. Retrieved on 2011-12-14.</ref>

====Italy====
Acts of cruelty against animals can be punished with imprisonment, for a minimum of three months up to a maximum of three years, and with a fine ranging from a minimum of 3.000,00 [[Euro]] to a maximum of 160.000,00 Euro, as for the law n°189/2004.<ref>[http://www.camera.it/parlam/leggi/04189l.htm The Italian Parliament – Law 189/2004 – Art. 544/ter/quater/quinquies]. Camera.it. Retrieved on 2011-12-14. (in Italian)</ref> The law was passed mainly to crush the phenomenon of [[dog fighting]], which in Italy is a clandestine [[blood sport]] fully controlled by organized crime.{{Citation needed|date=July 2013}}

====Ireland====
The ''Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013''<ref>http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/2013/en/act/pub/0015/index.html</ref> came into force in 2014, improving animal protection.<ref>http://www.rte.ie/news/2014/0307/600705-animal-welfare/</ref>

====Portugal====
Since 1 October 2014, violence against animals has been a crime in [[Portugal]]. Legislation published in the ''Diário da Républica'' on August 29 criminalizes the mistreatment of animals, and indicates that "those who, without reasonable cause, inflict pain, suffering, or any other hardship to a companion animal abuse" are to be subject to imprisonment of up to one year.<ref name=Portugal/> If such acts result in the "death of the animal", the "deprivation of an important organ or member", or "serious and permanent impairment of its capacity of locomotion", those responsible will be punished by imprisonment up to two years.<ref name=Portugal/>

As for pets, the new law provides that "whoever, having the duty to store, monitor or pet watch, abandons them, thereby putting in danger their food and the provision of care owed" faces up to six months imprisonment.<ref name=Portugal>
[http://boasnoticias.pt/noticias_Animais-Lei-que-criminaliza-maus-tratos-entra-em-vigor_21060.html]</ref>

====Sweden====
In Sweden cruelty to animals is punishable by financial penalty and the owner will lose the right to own the animals, and the animals will be removed from the owner.<ref>[https://lagen.nu/1962:700#K16P13 Swedish law]</ref>

====Switzerland====
The [[Switzerland|Swiss]] animal protection laws are among the strictest in the world, comprehensively regulating the treatment of animals including the size of rabbit cages, and the amount of exercise that must be provided to dogs.<ref>[http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703915204575103520836794314.html?KEYWORDS=Goetschel%27 Scales of Justice: In Zurich, Even Fish Have a Lawyer], Deborah Ball. [[The Wall Street Journal]]. March 6, 2010</ref>

In the [[canton of Zurich]] an animal lawyer, [[Antoine Goetschel]], is employed by the canton government to represent the interests of animals in animal cruelty cases.<ref>[http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/mar/05/lawyer-who-defends-animals The lawyer who defends animals], Leo Hickman. [[The Guardian]]. March 5, 2010</ref>

====Turkey====
Under [[Turkey]]'s Animal Protection Law No. 5199, cruelty to animals is considered a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine only, with no jail time or a black mark on one's criminal record.<ref>[http://www.haytap.org/index.php/20070528133/mevzuat/animal-protection-bill-law-no-5199 ANIMAL PROTECTION BILL LAW no 5199], HAYTAP, accessed December 7, 2012</ref><ref>[http://www.haytap.org/index.php/201206193962/english-content/civil-society-skeptical-about-amendment-to-animal-protection-law "Civil society skeptical about amendment to animal protection law"], HAYTAP, accessed December 7, 2012</ref> [[HAYTAP]], the Animal Rights Federation in Turkey, believes that the present law does not contain a strong enough punishment for animal abusers.<ref>[http://www.haytap.org/index.php/201104293234/english-content/haytap-animal-rights-federation-in-turkey?catid=0 "HAYTAP : Animal Rights Federation in Turkey"], HAYTAP, accessed December 7, 2012</ref>

====United Kingdom====
In the [[United Kingdom]], cruelty to animals is a criminal offence for which one may be jailed for up to 51 weeks and may be fined up to £20,000.<ref>[http://www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts2006/pdf/ukpga_20060045_en.pdf Animal Welfare Act 2006. Chapter 45]. (PDF) . opsi.gov.uk. Retrieved on 2011-12-14.</ref>

On August 18, 1911, the House of Commons introduced the [[Protection of Animals Act 1911]] (c.27) following lobbying by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals ([[RSPCA]]). The maximum punishment was 6 months of "hard labour" with a fine of 25 pounds.<ref>The Times, Monday, Jan 01, 1912; p. 3; Issue 39783; col F "The Animals' New Magna Charter"</ref>

In the [[London Police Act 1839]], "fighting or baiting Lions, Bears, Badgers, Cocks, Dogs, or other Animals" was prohibited in London, with a penalty of up to one month imprisonment, with possible hard labour, or up to five pounds. The law laid numerous restrictions on how, when, and where animals could be driven, wagons unloaded, etc.. It also prohibited owners from letting mad dogs run loose and gave police the right to destroy any dog suspected of being rabid or any dog bitten by a suspected rabid dog. The same law prohibited the use of dogs for drawing carts.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.animalrightshistory.org/animal-rights-law/victorian-legislation/1839-uk-act-london-police.htm |title=London Police Act 1839, Great Britain Parliament. Section XXXI, XXXIV, XXXV, XLII |accessdate=2011-01-23}}</ref> Up until then, dogs were used for delivering milk, bread, fish, meat, fruit, vegetables, animal food (the cat's-meat man), and other items for sale and for collecting refuse (the [[rag-and-bone man]]).<ref>/{{cite book|author=Graham Robb|title=The discovery of France: a historical geography from the Revolution to the First World War|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=PPBoQB860A4C&pg=PA167|accessdate=15 December 2011|year=2007|publisher=W. W. Norton & Company|isbn=978-0-393-05973-1|pages=167–}}</ref><ref>[http://terriermandotcom.blogspot.com/2008/10/dog-carts-and-extinction-of-memory.html Dog Carts and the Extinction of Memory]. October 15, 2008</ref> As Nigel Rothfels notes, the prohibition against dogs pulling carts in or near London caused most of the dogs to be killed by their owners<ref name=Rep>{{citation |title=Representing Animals |last=Rothfels |first=Nigel |pages=12 |publisher=Indiana University Press |isbn=0-253-34154-X}}. Chapter: 'A Left-handed Blow: Writing the History of Animals' by Erica Fudge</ref> as they went from being contributors to the family income to unaffordable expenses. Cart dogs were replaced by people with handcarts.<ref>[http://www.igg.org.uk/gansg/00-app1/rthdbike.htm Road Traffic – Hand Carts, Horse Drawn Vehicles and Bicycles]</ref> About 150,000 dogs were killed or abandoned. Erica Fudge quotes Hilda Kean:<ref name=Rep/> {{quote |text=At the heart of nineteenth-century animal welfare campaigns is the middle-class desire not to be able to see cruelty.|sign=Hilda Kean |source=''Animal Rights'', 1998<ref name=Kean>[http://www.press.uchicago.edu/presssite/metadata.epl?mode=synopsis&bookkey=164753 ''Animal Rights'' by Hilda Kean], 1998, University of Chicago Press. {{wayback|url=http://www.press.uchicago.edu/presssite/metadata.epl?mode=synopsis&bookkey=164753 |date=20101111212814 }}</ref>}}
The Protection of Animals Act 1911<ref name=PoA1911>[http://www.animallaw.info/nonus/statutes/stukuk1911c27.htm Protection of Animals Act 1911]. Animallaw.info (1911-08-18). Retrieved on 2011-12-14.</ref> extended the ban on draft dogs to the rest of the kingdom. As many as 600,000 dogs were killed or abandoned.

The Protection of Animals Act 1911 has since been largely superseded by the [[Animal Welfare Act 2006]],<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/4339406.stm |title=Pet abuse law shake-up unveiled |date=14 October 2005 |newspaper=[[BBC News Online]]}}</ref> which also superseded and consolidated more than 20 other pieces of legislation, including the [[Protection of Animals Act 1934]] and the [[Abandonment of Animals Act 1960]]. The Act introduced the new welfare offence, which means that animal owners have a positive duty of care, and outlaws neglecting to provide for their animals' basic needs, such as access to adequate nutrition and veterinary care.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/ethics/animals/overview/latest.shtml |title=BBC - Ethics - Animal Ethics: Animal Welfare Act |publisher=[[BBC]] |accessdate=24 April 2010}}</ref>

Under the [[Criminal Damage Act 1971]], domestic animals can be classed as property that is capable of being "damaged or destroyed". A charge of criminal damage may be appropriate for the injury or death of an animal owned by someone other than the defendant, although prosecution under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 may also be appropriate.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.catsaway.org/cats-and-the-law.html |title=Cats And The Law - Cats Away |accessdate=13 January 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cps.gov.uk/legal/d_to_g/offences_involving_domestic_and_captive_animals/ |title=Offences involving Domestic and Captive Animals |publisher=The Crown Prosecution Service |accessdate=13 January 2015}}</ref>

===Oceania===

====Australia====
In Australia, all states and territories have enacted legislation governing animal welfare. The legislations are:<ref>http://kb.rspca.org.au/what-is-the-australian-legislation-governing-animal-welfare_264.html</ref>

*Animal Welfare Act 1992 (ACT)<ref>[http://www.legislation.act.gov.au/a/1992-45/default.asp Animal Welfare Act 1992 (ACT)]</ref><ref>[http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/act/consol_act/awa1992128/ Animal Welfare Act 1992 (ACT)]</ref>
*Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979 (NSW)<ref name="Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979 (NSW)">[http://www.legislation.nsw.gov.au/maintop/view/inforce/act+200+1979+cd+0+N Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979(NSW)]</ref><ref name="Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979 (NSW) at Austlii">[http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/nsw/consol_act/poctaa1979360/ Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979 (NSW)]</ref>
*Animal Welfare Act (NT)<ref>[http://notes.nt.gov.au/dcm/legislat/legislat.nsf/d989974724db65b1482561cf0017cbd2/6883ea013062c5fd69257d0800261e5f?OpenDocument Animal Welfare Act (NT)]</ref><ref>[http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/nt/consol_act/awa128/ Animal Welfare Act (NT)]</ref>
*Animal Care and Protection Act 2001 (Qld)<ref>[http://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/LEGISLTN/CURRENT/A/AnimalCaPrA01.pdf Animal Care and Protection Act 2001 (Qld)]</ref><ref>[http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/qld/consol_act/acapa2001229/ Animal Care and Protection Act 2001 (Qld)]</ref>
*Animal Welfare Act 1985 (SA)<ref>[https://www.legislation.sa.gov.au/LZ/C/A/ANIMAL%20WELFARE%20ACT%201985.aspx Animal Welfare Act 1985 (SA)]</ref><ref>[http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/sa/consol_act/awa1985128/ Animal Welfare Act 1985 (SA)]</ref>
*Animal Welfare Act 1993 (Tas)<ref>[http://www.thelaw.tas.gov.au/tocview/index.w3p;cond=;doc_id=63%2B%2B1993%2BAT%40EN%2B20160124210000;histon=;prompt=;rec=;term= Animal Welfare Act 1993 (Tas)]</ref><ref>[http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/tas/consol_act/awa1993128/ Animal Welfare Act 1993 (Tas)]</ref>
*Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986 (Vic)<ref name=
"Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986(Vic)">[http://www.legislation.vic.gov.au/domino/Web_Notes/LDMS/LTObject_Store/LTObjSt6.nsf/DDE300B846EED9C7CA257616000A3571/6337C32351FF7731CA25796E007C36F5/$FILE/86-46aa081%20authorised.pdf Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986(Vic)]</ref><ref name="Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986 (Vic) at Austlii">[http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/vic/consol_act/poctaa1986360/ Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986 (Vic)]</ref>
*Animal Welfare Act 2002 (WA)<ref>[http://www.slp.wa.gov.au/legislation/statutes.nsf/main_mrtitle_50_homepage.html Animal Welfare Act 2002(WA)]</ref><ref>[http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/wa/consol_act/awa2002128/ Animal Welfare Act 2002 (WA)]</ref>

Welfare laws have been criticized as not adequately protecting animals.<ref>Graeme McEwen. [http://www.animalsaustralia.org/media/opinion.php?op=47 The fox is in charge of the chickens] Animals Australia. Retrieved July 4, 2008.</ref> Whilst police maintain an overall jurisdiction in prosecution of criminal matters, in many states officers of the [[Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Australia|RSPCA]] and other animal welfare charities are accorded authority to investigate and prosecute animal cruelty offenses.

====New Zealand====
{{Further|Animal welfare in New Zealand}}
The [[Animal Welfare Act 1999]] protects animals from maltreatment.<ref>http://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1999/0142/latest/DLM49664.html</ref>

==See also==
{{portal|Animals}}
* [[Animal cognition]]
* [[Animal consciousness]]
* [[Bear-baiting]]
* [[Cambridge Declaration on Consciousness]]
* [[Crush Fetish]]
* [[Goat throwing]]
* [[Pain in animals]]
* [[Poaching]]
* [[Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals]]

==References==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

==Further reading==
* Arluke, Arnold. ''Brute Force: Animal Police and the Challenge of Cruelty'', Purdue University Press (August 15, 2004), hardcover, 175 pages, ISBN 1-55753-350-4. An [[ethnography|ethnographic]] study of [[humane law enforcement officer]]s.
* Lea, Suzanne Goodney (2007). ''Delinquency and Animal Cruelty: Myths and Realities about Social Pathology'', hardcover, 168 pages, ISBN 978-1-59332-197-0. Lea challenges the argument made by animal rights activists that animal cruelty enacted during childhood is a precursor to human-directed violence.
* Munro H. (''The battered pet'' (1999) In F. Ascione & P. Arkow (Eds.) Child Abuse, Domestic Violence, and Animal Abuse. West Lafayette, IN: Purdue University Press, 199–208.

==External links==
{{Commons category|Animal welfare}}
* [https://secure.flickr.com/photos/27398485@N08/3731107629/ Illustration of 3-dog milk cart in Flanders, 1906]
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* [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/3040891.stm Goldfish used in art, to highlight morality, court finds no basis of cruelty (2003)] From BBC News
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*[http://www.pet-abuse.com/database/ Pet-Abuse.Com – Database of Criminal Animal Cruelty Cases]

{{abuse}}
{{Animal rights|state=collapsed}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Cruelty To Animals}}
[[Category:Cruelty to animals| ]]
[[Category:Animal welfare]]
[[Category:Crimes]]
[[Category:Animal law]]

Revision as of 19:50, 29 February 2016

Animal cruelty is bad so don't do it

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