We love our pets in the United States so much in the United States that we adopt more each year. Not only are pets lifetime companions, but some expect their loyalty to their pet to outlast their marriage by including pet custody clauses in premarital agreements. That is why when you witness animal or pet abuse, you should take action to report instances right away.

Animal Abuse Should Always Be Reported

Animals are obviously unable to report abuse to authorities and may even remain loyal to the owner that is subjecting it to abuse. Checking with state laws will show who you should report abuse to in accordance with a state's anti-abuse laws.

Some of the ways that animals may be abused are:

• Leaving an animal locked in a car in extremely hot or cold weather
• Denying an animal food, water, or shelter
• Abandoning a pet to its own defenses
• Maliciously harming a pet
• Hoarding animals without providing sufficient care or attention
• Not providing medical care to sick or injured animals
• Forcing a dog to engage in dog fighting for money

If you notice any of these things happening to an animal, write down the exact details of the abuse. Include the date it was witnesses, what was seen, who was abusing the animal, and any other relevant facts. If there is any way to take photos or videos without endangering yourself, these can be used to bolster your case.

Penalties for those that have abused their pets vary by state. For those that may have been unintentionally abusing their pets, authorities may educate the owner on proper care and treatment or simply issue a ticket for the offense. In extreme cases, the animals may be removed from the owner and they could be potentially charged with a crime.

No matter what the end result, reporting animal abuse is better than not reporting it. If you have witnessed an instance of abuse, contact police or a humane society to determine what the next best steps may be.