Module 2.1

Question 1

Animal abuse as a legal definition, not medical definition

Answer 1

Differs depending on location and as laws change
Cruelty to animals defined as a socially unacceptable behavior that intentionally causes unnecessary pain, suffering, or distress to and/or death of an animal. Difficult to prove intentional pain in law.

Question 2

Why does the wording matter in animal abuse definition?

Answer 2

These words are familiar to the court system. It should be easily understood (Layman’s terms).

Question 3

6 different forms of animal abuse (2 additional from before)

Answer 3

1. Simple/Gross Neglect
2. Organized fighting
3. Animal sexual abuse
4. Intentional abuse and torture (also known as Non-Accidental Injury (NAI)
5. Emotional Abuse
6. Ritualistic Abuse

First 4 tracked by FBI via NIBRS

Question 4

Neglect

Answer 4

Failure to provide basic care
Act of omission

Question 5

What is the most common form of animal abuse?

Answer 5

Neglect

Question 6

What is animal hoarding?

Answer 6

One of the most severe forms of torture
Animals can be affected for their whole life

Question 7

Organized fighting

Answer 7

Blood sports
dogs and roosters are most common, but can include inter species
Usually occurs with other illegal activity, and many states have laws against

Question 8

Animal sexual abuse

Answer 8

Bestiality or zoophilia (animals used for sexual stimulation)
Parallels to child sexual abuse (courts understand)
Keeps focus on victim
ASA not illegal in all locations

Question 9

Intentional abuse and torture

Answer 9

NAI or physical abuse
Blunt force trauma, sharp force trauma, gunshot wounds, asphyxiation, poisoning, burns, munchausen by proxy

Question 10

Munchausen by proxy

Answer 10

Caregiver causes injury/illness to animal bc of own need for sympathy

Question 11

Malingering by proxy

Answer 11

Caregiver intentionally exaggerates medical symptoms for personal use (ex: pain meds for animal used by owner)

Question 12

Emotional abuse

Answer 12

Laws rarely address
Occurs after repeated abuse, not an isolated event
Similar signs to those seen in emotionally abused children
Stereotypies may be observed (repetitive behavior with no purpose for animal)

Question 13

Ritualistic abuse (ceremonial acts)

Answer 13

Not common
Predation often mistaken for ritualistic abuse
Need to be cautious of religious freedom laws (religious slaughter=humane by law)