What is Animal Abuse?

Writers: Seohee Jang and Ruri Tsuchiya

Visual: Sayaka Tanaka

Animal abuse is the act of executing harmful behaviors towards animals. These acts can be intentional or unintentional, from depriving an animal of food, water, shelter, socialization or veterinary care, to maliciously testing, torturing, maiming, or killing an animal.

Animal abuse abounds in the factory farm industry, where livestocks suffer to meet our needs. Animal abuse can also be present in households who have pets because people might not know how to properly take care of pets, or children could be influenced by their parent’s bad behaviors.

Human education is an essential factor in reducing abuse. People have the potential to develop a positive and caring society. Hence, those who grow up witnessing abuse are five times as likely to demonstrate violent tendencies.