Animal cruelty is the abuse toward or neglect of an animal. It’s that simple. Some aspects of animal cruelty involve purposefully putting animals in situations that harm, scare, and terrorize them, while others simply result from people looking the other way. And what is saddening is that we live in a world that not only turns a blind eye to animal cruelty but condones it — whether through indifference or legislation. Animal cruelty can take many different forms but the impact is always the same. The problem is that there aren’t enough people fighting for animal rights. If everyone started to look at animals — and not just dogs and cats — as fellow animals who share our planet, we would see far fewer cases of cruelty toward animals.

Animals need our help. They can’t end animal cruelty on their own, so we have to step in and let people who victimize our fellow animals know that it’s not okay.

Joining animal rights organizations is a great first step. Whether you donate your time or your money, you can become part of the solution. These organizations launch investigations, report animal cruelty to authorities, raise awareness, and rescue animals. 

As more people become aware of animal cruelty, we’ll have more power to stop it. Don’t just read this article. Sign this petition. Contribute your own voice to the cause.