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May 22 / Tina Kristensen

Animal cruelty. What are the possible underlying causes and how can we develop effective strategies to prevent and address these causes?

Animal cruelty is, sadly, far too common. It can have various underlying causes, ranging from ignorance and neglect to deliberate acts of abuse or exploitation.
Childhood or youth violence may even be an underlying cause. Understanding these causes is essential for developing effective strategies to prevent and address animal cruelty.
In the following I have identified some causes of animal cruelty and have suggested corresponding strategies to resolve them.

Ignorance and lack of education.
Cause: Many cases of animal cruelty stem from a lack of understanding proper animal care and welfare needs.

Strategy: Implementing educational programs aimed at raising awareness about animal welfare issues and promoting responsible guardianship. These programs can target both adults and children, emphasising the importance of empathy, compassion, and humane treatment of animals.

Neglect and inadequate care.

Cause: Some animals suffer due to neglect, where their basic needs for food, water, shelter, and veterinary care are not adequately met.

Strategy: Strengthen enforcement of existing animal welfare laws and regulations to ensure that guardians provide proper care for their animals. This may involve regular inspections, intervention by animal welfare organisations, and stronger penalties for offenders. Additionally, provide support and resources to guardians who may be struggling to meet their animals' needs, such as low-cost veterinary services and pet care education programs.

Intentional Abuse and Cruelty.

Cause: Unfortunately for some people it is motivating or fun to hurt an animal and they may perform deliberate acts of abuse, violence, or cruelty towards animals. This may stem from psychological issues, learned behavior, or a lack of empathy.

Strategy: Enforce strict penalties for animal cruelty offenses, including fines, imprisonment, and bans on owning animals. Improve reporting mechanisms and encourage the public to speak up if they witness or suspect animal abuse. Work with law enforcement agencies, animal welfare organisations, and mental health professionals to identify and address underlying factors contributing to animal cruelty, such as domestic violence or substance abuse. Teaching and promoting emotional intelligence and empathy from the very early start in school is important.

Animal cruelty is, sadly, far too common.

Commercial Exploitation and Illegal Activities

Cause: Animals may be subjected to cruelty and exploitation for profit in industries such as puppy farming, illegal wildlife trade, and animal fighting.

Strategy: Strengthen legislation and enforcement efforts to combat illegal activities involving animals, such as puppy smuggling, wildlife trafficking, and organised animal fighting rings. Increase public awareness about the ethical implications of supporting industries that exploit animals for profit and promote alternatives such as adopting from shelters and supporting ethical and sustainable businesses.

Cultural Practices and Traditions

Cause: Some forms of animal cruelty are deeply ingrained in cultural practices, traditions, or rituals.

Strategy: Engage with communities to promote dialogue and understanding about the welfare implications of cultural practices involving animals. Encourage respectful dialogue and collaboration to find alternatives that respect both cultural heritage and animal welfare. Support efforts to provide education and economic opportunities that reduce reliance on practices that harm animals.

Environmental and Systemic Factors

Cause: Environmental factors, such as poverty, lack of resources, and inadequate infrastructure, can contribute to animal cruelty by limiting access to proper care and support.

Strategy: Address systemic issues that contribute to animal cruelty by investing in community development, poverty alleviation, and social welfare programs. Provide resources and support to poorer communities to ensure access to affordable veterinary care, pet food assistance, and other services that promote responsible guardianship. Collaborate with local authorities, charities, and grassroots organisations to implement targeted interventions and support networks for vulnerable populations.

Harm within the pet industries
Cause: Lack of regulation of the industry of dog trainers and behaviour practitioners can lead to animal cruelty by trainers deliberately using force, pain or fear in training or behaviour modification.

Strategy: Establish mandatory licensing and certification requirements with minimum requirements to demonstrate skills, knowledge, and adherence to humane training methods.

  • Develop industry standards and codes of conduct outlining acceptable practices within the industry.   Ensure that education and training for trainers and behaviour practitioners is evidence-based and following best practices in animal behaviour science.
  • Promote transparency and accountability by requiring trainers and behaviour practitioners to disclose their methods.
  • Encourage collaboration between professional organisations and regulatory bodies to develop standards of practice that focus on animal welfare in the industry.
  • Educate the public about the importance of choosing qualified professionals using only humane methods.
  • Advocate for legislation that prohibits the use of aversive methods and tools.  

By addressing these underlying causes of animal cruelty and implementing comprehensive strategies, stakeholders can work together to promote a culture of compassion, respect, and accountability towards animals treating them with empathy and understanding as the sentient beings they are.    
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