Information About Animal Abuse in the US

Dr. James Morales is the chief executive officer and medical director at Rock Doc NJ in Toms River, New Jersey, as well as the medical director of VIP Wellness in Howell. When he is not overseeing physician activities and patient care, Dr. James Morales is a dog lover and supporter of animal rescue initiatives.

In the United States, animal abuse prevalence stands at 1.89 percent. There are several risk factors for being someone who abuses animals. Men, for example, are more likely to abuse a pet than women. Men with lower levels of education and living in a lower-income bracket are most likely to commit acts of animal abuse.

While individuals may think of animal abuse as physical harm committed against an animal, it is not the only example. For instance, approximately 250,000 cats, dogs, and other animals are hoarded by owners on an annual basis. In some cases, these pets are sharing living space with hundreds of other animals, preventing them from receiving the resources, medical care, and attention they need to live healthy lives.

Unfortunately, animal abuse statistics increased over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic. Dogs make up the bulk of animal abuse victims, partly due to the horrific conditions inflicted on canines by puppy mills and dog fighting organizations.

Individuals who believe they have witnessed animal abuse should quickly reach out to local animal welfare organizations, or national groups like the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Depending on the situation, individuals may be required to notify law enforcement professionals.