Many animals are currently being abused and abused. They have no way to protect themselves. They are neglected and physically abused. They are also hoarded and forced to fight other dogs. Some are even forced to stay in cages without the possibility of moving and are slaughtered at a very young age. All animals have rights like humans, but only some are treated properly, reminding us that these animals need to be protected. Animal neglect is the most common type of animal cruelty. Neglect is considered when the animal does not have adequate shelter, food, or medical care. This can include starvation, parasites and inadequate shelter. Physical violence is also a very big problem. Physical abuse is intentionally harming an animal. Many people do this to feel more powerful or to have fun. Most abusers are teenagers who were abused as children. Research has linked crime to animal abusers. Animal abusers are five times more likely to commit a crime. There are laws that protect animals from neglect and physical abuse. Research has also linked animal abuse to child abuse. Animal abusers were most likely abused as children. 88% of families surveyed about child abuse have also mistreated their pets. If someone mistreats their pet, their likelihood of committing a crime is also five times higher than that of people who care for their pets. Teenagers are the most common animal abusers. They mistreat animals either to express their anger or to entertain themselves. Ending animal abuse can also help stop crimes such as violence, drugs and property crimes. There are laws to stop animal abuse, but if you see an animal being abused, you should report it to the police. Physical abuse can be considered the most serious case of a...... middle of paper ...... any other type of abuse, these few cases are the most well known. Many animal abusers remain unknown. We are the only ones who can protect innocent animals. If you see an animal being abused or neglected, call your local animal shelter or police department. Thousands of people are abusing animals right now and aren't getting stopped because people don't know how to report the abuse. If we all try to end animal abuse, we can improve the lives of many animals.Works CitedSociety & Animals; June 2007, vol. 15 Issue 2, p107, 20p, 4 ChartsSociety & Animals; September 2006, vol. 14 Number 3, p221, 23p, 3 graphicsInternet sourcesSomething, do. “Information on animal cruelty.” Do something. Dosomething.org, September 4, 2011. Web. March 09, 2014.Petfinder. "What constitutes animal cruelty? - Petfinder." Petfinder What constitutes comments about animal cruelty. ASPCA, and Web. March 11. 2014.