Animal cruelty includes intentional, malicious acts of animal abuse and less clear-cut situations where the needs of an animal are neglected. Violence against animals has been linked to a higher likelihood of criminal violence and domestic abuse.

Our supporters have fought for improved conditions for animals throughout our history, convincing governments, organizations on an international scale, businesses, communities, and people to take animal protection seriously. Our sponsors have improved the lives of billions of animals. We have put an end to animal abuse everywhere. And we keep speaking up and speaking out every day with the help of supporters like you who understand that change is always a possibility.

For the safety and well-being of our communities, it is crucial to safeguard the victims of severe neglect and animal cruelty as well as to make sure that those who commit these heinous crimes are held responsible. The systematic, effective implementation of legislation intended to protect animals from inhumane treatment still faces significant obstacles, nevertheless. Among the challenges faced in towns around the nation include the legal position of animals as "property," the high costs sometimes connected with sheltering and caring for victims of cruelty, and the absence of enough public financing to carry out this task.Animals that have been injured are taken out of harm's way, given the care they need to recuperate, and not kept in limbo for any longer than is necessary before being placed up for adoption into a new family.