Animal Cruelty is defined as depriving an animal of food, water, shelter, and/or veterinary care. Torturing, maiming, or killing animals is also animal cruelty.
Why would anyone be cruel to animals?
There are many reasons people have used to be cruel to animals. Some offenders have indicated that they felt powerless, un-noticed or were under control of other people. Other offenders have felt a need to shock, threaten, or intimidate a helpless victim in order to demonstrate a rejection of society’s rules. Some have abused animals to retaliate against people who love animals or have been cruel to the offender in the past.
Pets in homes where there has been domestic violence are often hurt, too. Animals in these situations may be silent victims, who may be threatened, injured or killed by a violent family member to control or intimidate other members of the household. And just like other family members, animals need a place to be safe.
The recognition of the importance of the link between animal cruelty and criminal behavior is currently drawing increased attention among behaviorists, the psychiatric community and police. Some studies have indicated a connection between animal cruelty and serial killers. | Report Animal Cruelty | How can you report animal cruelty?
If you see someone hurting an animal, or you see an animal that looks sick, injured, or deprived of food, water, shelter, or veterinary care, call police dispatch at 203-576-7671 or Animal Control at 203-576-7727 or email us @ melissa.kuian@bridgeportct.gov or jimmy.gonzalez@bridgeportct.gov | Signs of Abuse | What are some signs of animal cruelty? Tick or flea infestations. Such a condition, if left untreated, can lead to an animal's death Wounds Patches of missing hair Extremely thin, emaciated, starving animals Limping An owner striking or otherwise physically abusing an animal Dogs that are repeatedly left alone without food and water, often chained up in a yard Dogs that have been hit by cars -- or are showing any of the signs listed above -- and have not been taken to a veterinarian Dogs that are kept outside without shelter in extreme weather conditions Animals who cower in fear or act aggressively when approached by their owners
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Most Common Victims In media-reported animal cruelty cases, dogs are the most common victims of animal cruelty. Pit bulls, in particular, constitute an increasing percentage of victimized animals. - Of 1,880 cruelty cases* reported in the media in 2007:
- 64.5 percent (1,212) involved dogs
- 18 percent (337) involved cats
- 25 percent (470) involved other animals
*some cases involved multiple species
- Pit bulls represent an increasing percentage of total canine animal cruelty cases.
- In 2000 and 2001, pit bulls were the victims in 13 percent of reported dog abuse cases.
- In 2007, pit bulls were the victims in 25 percent of reported dog abuse cases.
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| You Can Help! | Educate Others. Help educate others about the need for doghouses especially in the heat. Educate others about the need for clean water, clean food, clean areas for animals to live and play in and about the danger of keeping pets in cars. Tell them about the need for veterinary care. Vaccinations and spaying and neutering information is a good way to start. Set a good example for others. If you have pets, be sure to always show them the love and care they deserve. It's more than just food, water, and adequate shelter. If you think your animal is sick, bring him to the veterinarian. Be responsible and have your animals spayed or neutered.
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