Combat Cruelty 

Your mission: Let people in your community know how to report animal cruelty and write about the need for strong laws against cruelty to animals.

Why? Because it’s the right thing to do. Cruelty to animals is against the law. Animals are living beings who deserve kindness, respect, and understanding. Remember, animals can’t speak for themselves. They need us to speak up for them!

How? Write letters to your lawmakers and a letter to the editor of your local newspaper. Let your classmates know what they should do if they think an animal is being mistreated. Follow the steps below to prevent cruelty in your community.

1. Know your stuff. Cruelty to animals is against the law in all 50 states, but the laws are different from state to state and even city to city. In some states, animal cruelty is a misdemeanor (a less serious crime). In other states, it is a felony (a serious crime).

How does your state define animal cruelty? Does the law only apply to cats, dogs, and other pets? Does it include cruelty to farm animals or wildlife? Good sources for this information include your state’s official website and www.hsus.org/webfiles/PDF/state_cruelty_chart.pdf.

Once you know your state’s laws, get to know the steps people should take to report animal abuse:

A. Know the signs. The following are common clues an animal might be in trouble. They don’t necessarily mean a pet has been hurt on purpose, but they should not be ignored. Look out for animals who

• have ticks or fleas.
• are missing fur.  
• are too thin.
• are limping.
• have cuts, scrapes, or other bruises.    
• duck, whimper, or act aggressive when certain people approach.
• are almost always outside.

B. If you see any of the signs above or witness someone hurting an animal, write down the details. What did you see or hear? When? Where? What people and animals were involved? Then ask a parent, teacher, or other trusted adult for help in reporting the case. You should never handle something as serious as animal cruelty alone!

C. With the help of an adult, contact the local animal shelter, sheriff’s department, or animal control officer. (You can usually find this information in the phone book.) Give them with the details you have gathered.

D. Contact local police and social services departments. Again, give them with the details. Let them know you have also told your animal shelter or animal control officer.

Get more info on our Combat Cruelty HOTSheet and the Help Stop Cruelty page, where you can also print out your own Junior Animal Care Agent badge!

2. Get the law on your side. After you’ve armed yourself with the facts, write letters to your state lawmakers. Visit www.hsus.org/leglookup and enter your zip code to find your elected official. Write to them and ask them to support strong laws against animal cruelty. If you live in one of the states where animal cruelty is still only a misdemeanor, ask your legislators to make it a felony offense. For tips on writing to lawmakers, check out our Speak Up for Animals! guide.

3. Use the news. Help inform the rest of your community by writing to your local newspapers. Explain the steps people should take to report animal abuse. Let them know you’ve written to your lawmakers about passing strong laws against cruelty. Ask readers to do the same. Find tips for writing and submitting a letter in our Speak Up for Animals! guide. If your school has a newspaper or newsletter, send the same letter.

4. Pass it on. Be sure to tell your classmates, teachers, and family what you’ve learned. You can download a flier for kids at http://www.hsus.org/web-files/First_Strike/First_Strike_Kids_Brochure_2004.pdf. You can also go to www.kindnews.org to make your own flier. Print it out and make copies. Pass them out to your classmates. Tell everyone to treat all animals with respect and kindness.

5. Tell us about it. Fill out our Mission: Accomplished form. Send it to us along with copies of your letters to lawmakers and a copy of your letter to the newspapers. We'll send you a BeKIND wristband, pictured on the right.