WHAT IS ANIMAL ABUSE
Animal Cruelty is defined simply as the human infliction of suffering or harm, upon any non-human animal, for purposes other than self-defense or survival. This can range from transporting an animal in a way that is inappropriate for its welfare to torturing or beating and animal.
2007 in the UK saw the 2006 “Animal Welfare Act” become law, which grants local authorities the power to prosecute anyone who breaches the terms laid out in the act. With penalties ranging from a minimum fine of £20,000 or minimum of 51 weeks in jail.
The Animal Welfare Act states:
Section 9
Duty of person responsible for animal to ensure welfare
- A person commits an offence if he does not take such steps as are reasonable in all the circumstances to ensure that the needs of an animal for which he is responsible are met to the extent required by good practice.
- For the purposes of this Act, an animal’s needs shall be taken to include:
- its need for a suitable environment,
- its need for a suitable diet,
- its need to be able to exhibit normal behaviour patterns,
- any need it has to be housed with, or apart from, other animals, and
- its need to be protected from pain, suffering, injury and disease.
Shocking Statistics from RSPCA 2014
In 2015 the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) released figures from their efforts in 2014. This work was all undertaken by the RSPCA’s workforce of more than 400 staff.
- Rescued and collected 128,209 animals
- Found new homes for 53,263 animals
- Microchipped, neutered and treated 320,128 animals
- Investigated 159,831 cruelty complaints
- Secured 2,419 convictions by private prosecution to protect animals against those who break the laws
DANGEROUS AND WORRYING TRENDS
The 2014 figures from the RSPCA emphasise a worrying rise in reports cases, in 2013 they investigated 153,770 which means 2014 saw a rise of more than 6000 cases.
13% of the cases from 2014 (20,000+) involved alleged deliberate and intensely violent cruelty. Some of which include a Rabbit horrendously microwaved alive, a dog shot through the head with a 20-inch crossbow and Jack Russell puppy whose tail was cut off.
Now more than ever, it is time to highlight the importance of animals from enduring serious physical neglect in the United Kingdom .
As individuals we need to increase our knowledge and awareness, to know how to take action when we need to help a suffering animal and also to be aware of the small, but significant differences we can make to support the welfare of animals.
REPORT AND SUPPORT
Ring the RSPCA 24 Hour Helpline on 0300 1234 999 to report cruelty or an animal in distress.
The RSPCA is a charity that relies on donations to exist. To help, please text HELP to 78866 to give £3 (texts cost £3 plus one standard network rate message).