Animal Abuse in England Shown to be Increasing

by David Milner

A report released last month by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) indicates that the organization was called upon to investigate significantly more cases "involving violence towards animals" last year than during 2001.

"Every year we deal with cases that shock, but never before have we seen such a catalogue of horrifying and vicious acts of deliberate cruelty and torture towards defenseless animals," said RSPCA Chief Officer of the Inspectorate Tony Crittenden.

Of the 114,004 investigations conducted by the RSPCA in 2002, 63 led to criminal trials and 57 prompted imprisonment. During 2001, only 46 jail sentences stemmed from investigations.

Fifteen of the individuals convicted last year were juveniles.

"The fact that some of the worst incidents involve (acts of) children is of particular concern," Crittendon stated.

"Often a juvenile who is cruel to animals will continue to be so and abuse his or her spouse and children after growing up," said British animal activist Thomas Aponte. "So, addressing the causes of the abusive behavior early on is very important."

© 2003 Animal News Center, Inc.