An animal can't call a domestic abuse hotline or tell a teacher if he/she is being abused. They have absolutely no voice and no way out.  When a elderly person or a child is being abused or neglected it is not only able to be reported it is mandatory to report by a health care worker. When it is an animal being abused you can get sued and fined for violating HIPAA. Why can't animals have the right to be heard also? Animal abuse is also a felony.