Sadly there is still too much dog abuse and animal cruelty that takes place in the world. Why in this politically correct age, where everyone’s feelings are considered at all times and injustice is rightly pursued with a vengeance where humans are concerned, does so much animal cruelty still exist? From dog fighting rings to puppy mills, where dogs are bred living in a nightmarish environment to be sold for profit, dog abuse is as rampant as ever. A sickening, quick look at a few statistics about dog abuse is certain to shock most anyone.

Statistics about Dog Abuse

Here are some eye-opening statistics that sadly expose the disturbing amount of dog abuse that occurs today, even though dog abuse is a well-known crime. In fact, a high profile athlete, Michael Vick, was even arrested and went to jail as recently as 2007 for harbouring a dog fighting ring, losing his prime NFL years in prison for animal cruelty. Yet this is a reality:

• As recently as the year 2000, nearly 20,000 dogs were killed because they were not considered ‘fast enough’ to race on the dog racing circuit. Here you can check animal abuse statistics by AnimalSake.com.
• There are 10,000 puppy mills in the United States alone as per The Animal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
• Hundreds of thousands of dogs are abused while being trained for dogfights each and every year by ASPCA.ORG
• Dogs are the most abused pets, with well over 60% of reported cases involving man’s best friend, reported by The Dog Fact Information Center.
• Over 2 million dogs each year are killed for their fur to make fur coats. Yes, as sick as that sounds and as hard as it may be to believe, dogs are used for fur coats because they are cost-effective, a study by The Dog Fact Information Center.

Ways to Prevent Dog Cruelty

It is hard to believe that this type of cruelty can exist in the modern world, but sadly it does. Dogs and animals are simply not as protected as they should be by the people that they depend on to provide them safety and love. But anyone can help prevent dog abuse by taking certain steps. As little as 35 years ago, in the late 1980’s dog abuse was only a crime in 4 US states.

Globally there is even less vigilance than there is in the United States. Today in the United States, at least, animal abuse and dog fighting are illegal in all 50 states, even if there are no major federal laws protecting the rights of dogs. It is up to citizens and compassionate humans to prevent and stop dog cruelty when it is found.  Here are tips that will help:

1. Be vigilant: Watch the pets in the community around you. Watch your neighbours. If you start to see too many pets at one home you may have a hoarder, which invariably involves neglect and therefore abuse. If you see a dog losing weight rapidly they may be a victim of neglect. Dogs with cuts and matted fur may be victims of abuse. Pay attention, it is the best way to spot potential abuse.

2. Understand the local animal rights laws: Learn what constitutes abuse in your state and district and what you can and cannot do about it.

3. Be active: Contact your local ASPCA, animal shelter or humane society. Find out what both you and they can do to help potential dog abuse victims.

4. Report potential dog abuse victims to the local authorities. Remember that animal cruelty is a crime. The laws must be enforced to stop dog abuse and prevent potential abuse in the future.