This is not exactly hot of the press cat news but it is a reminder that sections of law enforcement in the USA realise the connection between animal abuse and other major crimes and therefore it makes sense to classify animal abuse as a top-tier felony and track down and prosecute animal abusers as it may well stop further crimes. This is partly about taking proactive crime prevention steps.
In October of 2014 the FBI stated that they will treat animal abuse as a crime against society and classify it as a Group A felony. This puts it on a par with arson and murder for instance. Animal abuse is often seen as a minor crime but it the sort of crime which sheds light on people who have criminal minds and therefore enforcing animal cruelty laws not only helps to protect animals but in prosecuting these criminals information is collected about them.
Elisa has often reminded us of the connection between animal abuse and serious crimes against the person. The cannibal Jeffrey Dahmer is a good example. He decapitated stray animals as a child. If these crimes had been noted and if he had been charged and prosecuted it could have prevented him progressing to becoming a serial killer.
It was reported in Elite Daily that the FBI will begin collecting information about animal abuse in 2016. This gives them time to restructure their systems et cetera.
P.S. Animal abuse takes many forms. The FBI appear to be concerned with individuals but big business is also involved in animal abuse and abusing animals is not always a crime – what about sport hunting of mountain lions?
Ralph, you are a pain in the backside troll and you are not wanted here. No more comments or I’ll ban you.
From what I understand, the changes are only in the way in which the FBI collects and categorises data.
Previously animal abuse was simply included in an “other” category. As from 2015 it will have it’s own category, “Animal Cruelty Offense” and will include four separate types of abuse: simple/gross neglect, intentional abuse and torture, organised abuse (dog fighting and cock fighting), and animal sexual abuse.
Whilst it’s true the FBI want better tracking of animal cruelty because they acknowledge it’s often an indicator of violent crime, it does not mean those who abuse animals will get harsher sentences.
It may not be quite the change we’d hoped for, but it is a positive move in the right direction towards animal welfare.
I will not argue any further with you. if you can read…you will know what i said. I did not know cats were even used. this is sick. ANY animal that it harmed for any reason…fighting…serial killers in the making…any kind of abuse…is sick.
Does this make you UNDERSTAND. ???
Alexe “stupid” is Ralph’s middle name, apparently. It’s his way of life. He can’t stop.
I agree. I think it is far more common, Michael. And I think it’s under-reported because a lot of people just don’t care, whether it’s a dog, cat or whatever. If I object to the abuse I’ve seen I’ve been told “Well, it’s just a dog. Why do you care?” Or “It’s just a cat.” You’re right, animals are very vulnerable in this world.
I sense that animal abuse if far more common than we believe it is because most of it is unreported and people don’t know about it. Animals are very vulnerable in this human world. It is good that the FBI are interested but I don’t know whether their interest will make a significant impact. I hope it does.