This article is about the abuse of domestic animals and what can be done to stop it. If you own a dog or cat, you know how disturbing animal cruelty is and that every 60 seconds, an innocent animal is abused. But keep reading because we are going to discuss the organizations that stand up to this abuse and how you can help!
Overview
Did you know that besides dogs and cats, horses and farm animals are abused just as much as our furry friends? Harmless pets who cannot defend themselves need us to be there for them and it is groups such as PETA, the ASPCA, and other humane groups that make a difference and who we need to support.
Difference Between PETA and ASPCA
While these two organizations push for animal safety there are differences. But both are great establishments that are passionate about their cause and have had many successful accomplishments for the prevention of cruelty to animals, but let’s take a closer look at what these two organizations do to help protect these innocent creatures.
PETA ( People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals)
PETA is an NGO (nonprofit organization) with 3 million members which was founded in 1980. They advocate for animal rights and lobby legislators for these rights, but they don’t have the authority to regulate any laws.
They campaign for changes in the law that will benefit the health and safety of animals, which in turn aligns with their mission of protecting animals from abuse and cruelty.
PETA is an animal liberation organization and is against using animals as food. Their motto is “Animals are not ours to eat, wear, experiment on, use for entertainment, or abuse in any way.”
ASPCA (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals)
The ASPCA is also an NGO and an old one at that. They were founded in 1866 and have 1.2 million members. Unlike PETA, the ASPCA can regulate the laws regarding animal rights.
Their motto is “To provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States.”
What Animal Rights Laws Can Be Changed
On January 1st, 2016, the FBI began tracking animal abuse cases and it is shocking to see what is going on there.
With that said, organizations, such as those mentioned above are assertively looking to upgrade and/or change the laws that apply to pets and animals. A couple of changes are offered below.
Raise the Bar on the Penalties for Animal Abuse
Many believe that those nefarious people who commit harm to animals might one day advance to harming children. With that said, the laws should be just as strict as the penalties regarding child abuse. 88% of adults who commit child abuse were responsible for animal cruelty as well, and even more disturbing is that those who commit mass shootings are also responsible for animal cruelty at least half of the time. So domestic abuse and animal abuse seem to have a common dominator.
Call Them What They Are and Make It Public
Whatever the reason behind animal cruelty is, the fact is that it is just as wrong as abuse of humans. Below are a couple of suggestions.
If a person has been convicted of cruelty to animals, it should be made public notice. Neighbors should be allowed to know if any of these people live near them so that the neighbors can be vigilant about it.
You can keep track of animal credulity arrests and convictions by going to animalvictory.org and we encourage you to sign their petitions.
In Summary
Want to help? Contact PETA and the ASPCA to volunteer your services and/or donate to their causes. But most of all, know in your heart that the pets you have in your home are safe and are getting the love and affection that they all deserve.