Source: DC Journal
By Dr. Robin Ganzert
An alarming uptick of high-profile animal cruelty cases is hitting America. A group of Oregon teenagers recently shot a family cat — subsequently filming the animal’s agony. Earlier this year, a Wyoming hunter paraded a wounded wolf around a bar before killing it. And weeks later, an Alabama man was charged with hanging a dog from a tree and beating it.
This unacceptable trend should be a wake-up call for policymakers and the public. Elected officials have a responsibility to explore better approaches to protect animals. Parents have a role to play.
Similar to an amendment passed in the United Kingdom last year, social media platforms should be encouraged to aggressively monitor and remove pictures, videos and other content that promotes animal abuse. Punishments for cruelty violations should be intensified to discourage bad behavior. And more law enforcement resources should be allocated to better investigate and enforce animal crimes.
Some states are taking steps in this direction.
This year, Arizona considered legislation to expand the definition of pet cruelty to include “intentionally, knowingly or recklessly failing to provide the medical attention necessary to prevent unreasonable suffering to any domestic animal under the person’s custody or control.” Meanwhile, a series of bills is being pushed in New York that could make penalties more severe, among other elements.
In Kentucky, one of my organization’s animal ambassadors has helped push a proposal nicknamed Ethan’s Law over the finish line. The law harshens the sentence for torturing cats and dogs. Ethan, a rescue dog who won the 2022 American Humane Hero Dog Awards, was previously left starving in the parking lot of a Kentucky animal shelter and is the legislation’s namesake.
Policymakers nationwide should continue pursuing proposals that get tough on animal abuse. But that won’t remedy the stomach-churning trend alone. Proactive efforts at school and home to educate and introduce animals into the lives of children at an early age can be a complementary strategy that prevents cruelty before it even takes root.
Frequenting zoos and aquariums, for example, is one great way for young Americans to connect with the wonders of nature. Communing with animals ranging from curious otters to agile Pallas Cats can help create an emotional connection that influences behavior down the road. Not only do the experiences give children a healthy appreciation for animals, but they can also inspire them to become part of the next generation of animal welfare champions.
Many zoos and aquariums have educational — and fun — programs for families. And for families that don’t have easy access to institutions like these, there are plenty of other opportunities to socialize children with animals.
One example is taking youngsters to visit a local animal shelter — and perhaps volunteering when old enough. And having a family pet for them to love is another. Research consistently shows that children raised with family pets experience various social, emotional and developmental benefits, including more self-esteem and less loneliness.
Recent high-profile cases of animal cruelty are heartbreaking. Policymakers have a responsibility to ensure laws reflect the seriousness of these crimes, while parents should expose children to the love of animals at a young age. Together, we can suffocate this epidemic of animal abuse.