One of the greatest things on this planet is animals, whether they are domesticated or wild. Out of all the animals, however, one species takes the cake above all others, the canine.

Not only are these creatures loyal, but they are also smart, gentle, funny, and protective, that’s why they were given the title “Man’s best friend.” Sadly, man is not always their best friend.

One example was in this week’s news. The culprit, The United States Government. The outrage began when it was reported that service dogs were abandoned in Afghanistan, in dog kennels, to be tortured and killed by our enemies there.

The Pentagon issued a statement claiming the animals weren’t service animals but dogs from a local shelter. To me, it doesn’t matter if the canines were service animals or not; it does not change the fact that these dogs were left to suffer a horrible fate, one that could be avoided.

I’m not the only one to voice their outrage at the blatant mistreatment of these dogs. The American Humane Society, and People for Ethical Treatment of Animals, have released statements calling out the Pentagon for this action.

Although I am happy that the ASPCA and PETA are calling out the government, I won’t be satisfied until these dogs are rescued.

Unfortunately, this isn’t the only case of animal cruelty to reach my ears in recent weeks or even years. One example was the news that Dr. Fauci, who is being held as a hero, shipped Beagles overseas to be eaten alive by sandflies in Tunisia.

The second example is the Chinese Yulin meat festival, where hundreds of dogs and cats are tortured before being killed for their meat. Which needs to be put to a stop too at all costs in my book. 

The third happened a couple of weeks ago in Australia, where their government killed a bunch of rescue dogs because they didn't want citizens to go out and adopt them because of Covid. 

Sadly, these cases are only the tip of the iceberg.

Whose at fault for abusing animals?

The Humane Society has compiled a list of whose most at risk of becoming an abuser.

1. Domestic Abusers. Animals who live in a home where domestic violence is prominent are at high risk of becoming victims themselves.
2. Psychopaths and Sociopaths. Anyone with the inability to feel empathy is at risk of being an animal abuser.
3. Hoarders. I feel sorry for people who suffer from a hoarding disorder as they usually think they are doing more good than harm. Sadly, hoarding hurts animals more than helps them.

Most Common Victims.

The most common victim of abuse, according to the Humane Society, are Dogs, Cats, Horses, and Livestock. The factory farm industry is high on the list for abusing livestock, since the laws are so weak. 

Types of Animal Abuse:

Animal abuse is not just an isolated incident. Many cases also include organized events such as dog fighting rings and other organized acts of animal cruelty like the Chinese Yulin meat festival. 

The drug cartel is also involved with dogfighting, as they use it as a cover to smuggle drugs. 

The most common breed to be a victim of dogfighting rings is the Pitbull. The dog once known as the "Nanny dog," that was trusted to look after children has had its reputation destroyed. 

Now people look at this breed with mistrust and many won't be adopted because of this. 

Current Animal Protection Laws.

The United States does not have a lot of federal animal protection laws, as most cases are on a state level. The few we have are the following.

1. The Animal Welfare Act. The bill was signed into law in 1966 and protects zoo, laboratories, and commercially bred animals. Under this law, dogfighting is illegal. 

Despite this law being in place, the Department of Agriculture has let several cases slide. 

2. The 28-hour law. This law, signed in 1873, makes it mandatory for vehicles that are transporting animals for slaughter to treat them humanly. This means they must take the animal out every twenty-eight hours for exercise, food, and water. 

Certain animals are exempt, such as chickens and turkeys. 

3. The Humane Slaughter Act or The Humane Livestock Slaughters Act. 

This law was first introduced in 1958 and then amended in 1978. The law states that animals about to be slaughtered must be stunned unconscious first to lessen the pain. 

Once again, birds are exempt from this bill.  

4. The Endangered Species Act.

This law was enacted in 1973, and it protects mammals, fish, birds, and plants are protected if they pose the risk of going extinct. 

5. The Pact or Preventing Animal Cruelty and Torture Act. 

Signed into law in 2019, this law makes burning, crushing, drowning, suffocating, impaling, and sexually exploited animals a federal crime.

I feel this law should be enacted internationally. 

6. The Lacey Act.

Written into law in the 1900s, the Lacey act bans illegal wildlife trafficking. 

State Animal Protection Laws.

Most laws protecting animals are on a state level, which is why I will not post a list here. I will say though, that Oklahoma gives immunity to vets allowing them to report suspected animal abuse. 

If you are curious about your state, please check out the Animal Legal Defense fund's website. There you can see where your state ranks. 

My Thoughts On How to Stop Animal Cruelty. 

Animal cruelty isn't just a problem for the United States, it's an international problem. The only way to stop events like China's Yulin festival or the Taliban's treatment of the dogs left behind in Afghanistan is to have the United Nations get involved. 

It's also up to everyday citizens to speak up against these heinous acts against animals, as they can't speak for themselves. 

From my standpoint, the only way anything will change is if people speak out and protest, letting the world know this is not okay. That's why I'm proposing a law that creates a registry of known animal abusers, so law enforcement can know who to look out for. 

I also propose that this registry be made into international law. I'm also advocating for stricter laws to punish anyone who tortures an animal. 

Until such laws are passed remember the only way to stop violence against animals is for the public to take action. 

Thank you, Caitlan.