ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the term “animal abuse” will be used instead of animal cruelty, as the word “abuse” can encompass all acts or failure(s) to act that causes discomfort, stress, distress, pain, and suffering on an animal regardless of the intent of the perpetrator. Animal neglect and animal abuse are extensive and intertwined subjects. Traditionally in industry literature, state statutes, and the media, the harming of an animal is labeled as “animal cruelty.” The general concept is that an act inflicts pain and suffering onto the animal and that the act was intentional on the part of the perpetrator. While some definitions of animal cruelty focus on the effect of the act or failure to act on the animal or the actual act, Ascione focused on the behavior of the perpetrator. The prosecution of a case of animal abuse and neglect depends on the specific language of statutes that are under the jurisdiction of the enforcement and regulatory agency.
