How You Can Stop Animal Cruelty

Every day, the world of animal welfare experiences another tragedy. In one state, a massive puppy mill sits full of half-dead whelps kept in tiny cages. On the other end of the U.S., teenagers delight in torturing a newborn kitten. Other cruelties fail to ever make headlines: chickens and cattle abused on factory farms; baby monkeys dissected while alive.

We may feel powerless when we look at the widespread plague of animal cruelty. Fortunately, however, even as private citizens, it is within our power to end animal abuse by remaining conscientious and caring.

Report Animal Abuse Promptly

Signs of severe animal abuse and neglect are, in general, shockingly easy to spot. The animals may be emaciated or sickly-looking, and may have obvious medical conditions for which they are getting no treatment. Abused animals may have open wounds, bald patches, or serious injuries, and may be deprived of basic needs like food, water, and comfortable shelter.

If you see an animal being neglected or abused, call your local Humane Society or Animal Control agency immediately. Provide as much information as possible, including the owners' names and addresses, when contacting the authorities. Your consideration may save an animal's life.

You Are What you Eat

Few people would knowingly eat factory-farmed meat if they were aware of the process that goes into raising it. Cattle, chickens, and hogs, who are every bit as sentient, intelligent, and emotional as cats and dogs, are kept in unimaginably confined quarters, where they have little mobility and almost no opportunity to socialize with their own kind. Most farm animals never see the light of day.

To end factory-farm cruelty, it is best to go vegetarian, or, better still, vegan. However, dietary choices are deeply personal, and some habitual meat-eaters will likely prefer to switch to free-range and organic animal products, rather than giving up the products entirely. Any of these choices are still preferable to the daily support of inhumane practices.

Boycott Businesses that Support Cruelty

Many businesses, aside from factory-farming institutions, support animal cruelty in ways that are much more "undercover". Millions of purebred puppies were bred on puppy mills, unsanitary "farms" where dogs are kept in conditions similar to factory-farmed livestock. Circuses, animal shows, and even some zoos also partake in similarly destructive behaviors. Cosmetics companies are very likely to engage in animal cruelty in the form of unnecessary testing of their products, as well.

To avoid contributing to businesses that support animal cruelty, look at all labels on products before you purchase them, to make sure that they are cruelty-free. Support only circuses that use no live animals, and visit zoos and aquariums with an aim toward conservation and education, rather than profit. Without your money, cruel businesses perish.

Change Begins at Home

Like all efforts toward making the world a better place, ending animal cruelty must start at home. Taking care of your own pets is the first step toward enabling animal welfare accross the world. Maintain health records for your pets and make regular visits to your veterinarian. Keep your pets clean and lavish them with love and affection: they will love you back for your efforts.

Perhaps the most critical part of being a responsible and loving pet owner is to adopt unwanted animals and avoid contributing to the overpopulation crisis. Spaying and neutering your pets will not only prevent more unwanted pets from being born, but it will also prevent a number of undesirable behaviors from occurring.

Most importantly, support and volunteer at your local animal shelter. Some areas even have foster programs available through which loving homes can care for unwanted pets on a temporary basis. If possible, financial donations are also welcome at many shelters and rescue organizations. An end to animal cruelty starts in your own home town.