What is Animal Abuse?

Animal abuse is the intentional or unintentional neglect or harm of an animal in any way. Animal abuse can take many different forms, all of which are terrible.

This includes:

• Confinement of animals in small spaces.

• Inflicting physical pain upon the animal.

• Causing the animal psychological stress.

• Using the animals in fights for betting.

• Starving the animal.

• Keeping the animal tied to something over extended periods of time.

• Forcing the animal to stay outdoors during harsh weather conditions.

• Abandoning animals.

• Forcing animals to do something which they are uncomfortable doing.

• Failing to take care of the animals in anyway.

• Neglecting an animal’s basic needs and welfare necessities.

In many countries, animal abuse is punishable by law. For example, in the UAE, it can be punished by large fines and even imprisonment. Yet there are countless people who don’t know the effects of animal abuse, or the consequences that can come with it. This lack of education about the topic leads to ineffective care of pets, and an overall neglect of the pet’s well being, which can be deadly.

This is why it is important that before getting a pet, you should ensure you have the proper learning and abilities, as well as the right environment for the animal’s comfort.

It has been shown that a background check of families has allowed the prevention of animal abuse, and it is therefore important to ensure you are familiar with the procedures required to take care of an animal before you get a pet.

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Another effect a lack of education can have, is that it hinders the abilities of the people who want to help, but don't know how to. Mahin from MEAF told us, that many people try to help, but do it wrong. This may cause more harm to the animal or put them into a dangerous position, which could lead to involuntary animal cruelty. This is why it is crucial that people are properly educated about the topic in order to ensure the safety of the animal.