Currently, in the United States and most other parts of the world, animals are considered property. In the eyes of the law, your family pet is the equivalent to a chair, table, or toaster. They are considered moveable 'things' that don't feel, think or deserve respect.

In January 2016, the FBI began tracking animal abuse as a Class A felony in the United States. While there is plenty of information out there on animal cruelty investigations, there is very little on actual convictions. Most animal abuse cases end up classified as 'Property Damage', which is a misdemeanor. Furthermore, most abuse cases go unreported. This is mainly because most animal abuse cases are very difficult to prove or investigate, especially if the abuse or neglect occurs inside the home or on one's actual property- their yard. Current laws restrict or at least hinder base level investigations. Animals don't possess legal rights because they are the objects of the exercise of someone else's rights. Animals have no voice of their own.

It's time for America to treat animals like humans, like children, who have biological needs and been scientifically proven to have the capacity to feel pain and have cognitive and emotional capabilities. Before any real gains can be made in animal rights, the legal classification of animals must change from that of property or chattel to something more closely resembling personhood.