Abuse
Cruelty to Animals is a Crime.
Protecting animals from unnecessary pain and suffering has been
a component of many societies throughout history.
Animal cruelty is often broken down into two main categories:
active and passive.
Passive Cruelty (Acts of Omission)
Passive cruelty is typified by cases of neglect, where the crime
is a lack of action rather than the action itself - however do not
let the terminology fool you. Severe animal neglect can cause
incredible pain and suffering to an animal. Examples of neglect are
starvation, dehydration, parasite infestations, allowing a collar
to grow into an animal's skin, inadequate shelter in extreme
weather conditions, and failure to seek veterinary care when an
animal needs medical attention.
Active Cruelty (Acts of Comission)
Active cruelty implies malicious intent, where a person has
deliberately and intentionally caused harm to an animal.
When You Witness Animal Cruelty
It can be disturbing-and heartbreaking-to witness an act
of animal cruelty.
If you witness animal cruelty, please call Animal
Welfare or the Tulsa Police Department immediately. Tell
the person answering the phone:
- where the animal is - street address would be extremely
helpful
- describe the breed
- size
- color
- any distinct markings on the animal
- where it may live
- if it's wearing a collar or tags
Describe the situation that you believe constitutes cruelty to
the animal(s) and a description of any individuals and/or vehicles
involved.
Cruelty to Animals Can Be a
Predictor Crime. Those who have a history
of repeated acts of intentional violence towards animals are at
higher risk for exhibiting similar violence or lawlessness towards
people in the future.
Cruelty to Animals Can Be an
Indicator Crime. Paying attention to the
victimization of animals can often lead to the discovery of people
who have been harmed by the same perpetrator, (particularly
domestic violence, child abuse and elder abuse) or who are at high
risk of being harmed.
Cruelty to Animals Destabilizes
Communities. Many people see animals as truly
innocent victims, so their victimization may be more disturbing
than person-on-person crimes in which all parties may be seen as
sharing some responsibility. Crimes involving animal cruelty
can be seen as a classic example of "broken window" crimes, i.e.,
relatively "low-level" offenses that authorities may overlook, yet
may be considered by members of the community as a sign that no one
cares about violence and decay in their neighborhood. Effective
enforcement of animal cruelty laws is increasingly seen as an
important component of community-oriented policing.
