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CRUELTY IS A CRIME
There's No Excuse for Animal Abuse
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GET THE FACTS
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- Cruelty to animals is a widespread problem. Animal abuse refers to a wide variety of activities, ranging from unintentional neglect, which can sometimes be resolved through education or intervention activities, to intentional abuse, which is the malicious mistreating, tormenting, torturing, maiming, mutilating or killing of animals.
- Cruelty to animals is linked to crimes of violence against humans. many studies in psychology, sociology and criminology over the last 25 years have shown that violent criminals often have childhood and adolescent histories of animal abuse. The American Psychiatric Association considers animal cruelty as a diagnostic attribute of conduct disorder.
- Researchers say that a child's violence towards animals often represents displaced hostility towards another family member, who is neglectful or abusive. Other research has shown consistent patterns of animal abuse among perpetrators of spousal and elder abuse.
- According to Alan Brantley, FBI Supervisory Special Agent, "Animal cruelty is not a harmless venting of emotion in a healthy individual; this is a warning sign that this individual...needs some sort of intervention."
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KNOW THE LAW
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- In Louisiana, animal neglect and abuse are criminal acts, at both the local and state levels. Louisiana's laws against animal abuse are among the toughest nationwide.
- Misdemeanor acts of animal abuse, such as the failure to provide adequate food, water, or shelter to any animal, are punishable by fines of up to $1,0000, up to six months in jail, and 40 hours of community service per count.
- In Louisiana, acts of aggravated cruelty, including the malicious killing, torture, mutilation or maiming of animals are punishable by fines of up to $25,000, and up to 10 years in jail per count.
- Abused animals can be seized by police officers and certain humane officers. Animals may be placed in the custody of a humane agency until trial and/or until the alleged abuser fails to post bond to cover the costs of caring for the animal.
- Dogfighting is a separate felony offense. It is unlawful to attend any dogfight. While cockfighting is legal in some areas of Louisiana, it is unlawful in the Greater New Orleans area.
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GET INVOLVED
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Always report animal abuse. Don't let law enforcement officers tell you that "nothing can be done," when you see an animal in trouble.
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Help LISA Fight Cruelty to Animals!
To get involved or to report cruelty call (504) 366-8972
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