I am promoting a decrease in animal cruelty. Animal cruelty includes intentional, malicious acts of harm and less clear-cut situations where the needs of an animal are neglected. Animals are living creatures as well and should not be treated any less than humans. Every year over 10 million animals are abused to death at the hands of humans. Necessary steps need to be taken for the protection of animals. People who own pets should be responsible for the needs of said pet, or they should not be allowed to adopt. It has been proven that people who abuse animals are five times more likely to commit a violent crime. This is because animal abuse is all about power and control over a helpless victim. By taking action against animal cruelty, we can protect animals and prevent future; more severe, crimes as well.