Cruelty to animals, also called animal abuse, animal neglect or animal cruelty, is the infliction by omission (animal neglect) or by commission by humans of suffering or harm upon any non-human. It's been estimated that there are 900 to 2,000 new cases every year of animal hoarding in the US, with 250,000 animals falling victim.The animals whose abuse is most often reported are dogs, cats, horses and livestock. Animal cruelty can be broken down into two main categories: active and passive. Passive cruelty is typified by cases of neglect, in which the cruelty is a lack of action rather than the action itself. Oftentimes passive animal cruelty is accidental, born of ignorance. In many cases of neglect in which an investigator believes that the cruelty occurred out of ignorance, the investigator may attempt to educate the pet owner, then revisit the situation. In more severe cases, exigent circumstances may require that the animal be removed for veterinary care.

Solutions on how to prevent animal cruelty:

1. Be a responsible owner
2. Be an example of kindness to other pets
3. Intervene if you witness animal cruelty, abuse or neglect
4. Report animal cruelty, abuse or neglect
5. Teach your children to have respect for animals
6. Demand stricter laws for the protection of animals
7. Shelter an animal in need
8. Consider that neglect of animals can be closely linked to domestic violence
9. Educate people around you about the issue
10. Offer help to people who are overwhelmed with their animal