Animal Cruelty

Is Animal Cruelty Ethical?

Beyond the ethical and moral considerations, and our own personal beliefs, state laws guide us on what type of incidents or situations warrant the label of animal cruelty. And although the law is admittedly vague, it provides us with some guidelines. Animal cruelty can run the gamut from the unintentional neglect to the intentional torture of an animal. Neglect situations generally stem from the omission of what by law an owner shall provide to their animals, namely; wholesome food and water, adequate shelter from the weather, veterinary care when needed to prevent suffering and humane care and treatment. It is important for us to keep in mind that the level of care we may provide for our animals may be decidedly different than what an owner suspected of neglect may provide, however, it may not be illegal. Often, the situation can be corrected by a humane investigator providing education and reasonable suggestions. Cruel treatment ...