Most common victims
The animals whose abuse is most often reported are dogs, cats, horses and livestock. Undercover investigations have revealed that animal abuse abounds in the factory farm industry.
In Australia, around 55,000–60,000 reports of animal mistreatment are made each year to the RSPCA [2], approximately 11,000 of which are made in the state of Victoria [3].
Neglect is the most common type of animal cruelty.
Each year 115 million animals, including dogs, cats, mice, rats, and monkeys, are all abused in the name of science.
Perhaps the most disturbing aspect of this history is how the continuing abuse of cats today can be traced back to that moment. Studies show cats are abused at higher rates than dogs or other domestic animals in almost every category of abuse — beating, throwing, mutilation, drowning.
It is an offence under the Animal Care and Protection Act 2001 (the Act) for people in charge of animals to abandon or release them, be cruel or breach their duty of care.
We give our pets the best life we can, we fiercely oppose whaling, and are horrified by the killing of seals for fur. As a nation we abhor cruelty to animals, but few of us realise that legally sanctioned acts of cruelty to animals happen every day in Australia.
The Pit Bull is the most common dog breed (along with pit bull breed mixes) found in shelters in the United States. They are also the most abused, neglected, and the most euthanized.
While larger animals like sharks or hippos may seem a likely culprit, the animal that kills the most humans per year is actually the mosquito.
While the Animal Welfare Act (Republic Act 8485, as amended by RA 10631) allows for the humane slaughter of certain animals used for food, rabbits are not considered a regular source of meat for consumption in the Philippines and are classified- at best – “exotic meat”.
According to international standards, Switzerland has higher levels of animal welfare and protection in comparison with other countries. The Animal Welfare Act of 2005 protects the welfare and dignity of animals.
New Zealand dominates cow slaughter (each year almost one cow is slaughtered per inhabitant). Israel, Belarus, and Guyana lead in the per capita slaughter of chickens. Denmark slaughters the most pigs per capita (almost 3 pigs per year per person in the country), followed by Spain and the Netherlands.
Germany is one of the dog-friendliest countries in the world. Virtually every business welcomes dogs and provides them with water and treats. Home to the largest animal sanctuary in Europe, you may want to bring one back home with you when visiting.
You can only bring your cat or dog into Australia under strict import conditions. These safeguard our agriculture, environment, native and domestic animals, and our people. They are based on rigorous scientific analyses to manage biosecurity risks.
Australia has a ban on aggressive dog breeds that were specifically bred for fighting. Importing these breeds to Australia is not permitted by law. This ban is in place to safeguard the public and other animals.
An eight-month investigation into poor treatment of animals at Australia Zoo's animal hospital has found no evidence its hospital staff deliberately mistreated animals. The Queensland Government's Biosecurity Queensland investigated 31 allegations since 2015 against the hospital staff.
Even in relation to cat and dog fur, there is no direct ban on its use and sale in any state or territory, including NSW and Victoria. Nationally, the importing and exporting of cat and dog fur into and out of Australia is prohibited8.
Animal cruelty involves gratuitously inflicting harm, injuring, or killing an animal. The cruelty can be intentional, such as kicking, burning, stabbing, beating, or shooting; or it can involve neglect, such as depriving an animal of water, shelter, food, and necessary medical treatment.
Owners often neglect their pets because they don't understand their pets' needs. Humane officers help by explaining how to correctly care for pets. But some owners neglect their animals because they just don't care.