Mechanics of Abuse and Neglect.

A. Abuse-Reporting

The difference between abuse and neglect is more than semantics. Recognizing these differences is as important as understanding the mechanics between the two.

Intentional abuse is just that. The word “intent” denotes that the act was done in a purposeful manner and was no act of omission nor was it born out of ignorance or neglect. Neglect cases outnumber abuse cases by a ratio of 10-1. Still, any investigator will tell you that they can recall, in great detail, nearly every abuse case they have handled while neglect cases are a blend of owner ignorance and financially motivated woes. Stabbing, hanging, lighting on fire and other unimaginable forms of torment are commonplace in abuse investigations. Virtually every serial killer apprehended during the past century had some history of animal abuse in his or her criminal history.

Animal abuse and domestic violence as well as collateral family violence go hand in hand. This is exactly the reason why Colorado authorities mandate that both animal control officers and veterinarians report child abuse. Authorities recognize that these two groups of professionals are often exposed to episodes of animal abuse and therefore, are likely to witness some other evidence of family violence such as child abuse. There should be no question in anyone’s mind as to the importance of reporting intentional abuse.

B. Neglect-Reporting

Animal neglect is not as neatly packaged as abuse. Neglect can mean a variety of things. Most obvious are:

1. Failure to provide adequate shelter
2. Failure to provide necessary sustenance, which might include food or water.
3. Failure to provide veterinary care for an existing illness or injury.

The reasons for animal neglect are even more open to interpretation. During the course of my career as a state investigator, special agent and director of two of the largest animal enforcement agencies in the US it is estimated that I processed, investigated or otherwise supervised more than 10,000 neglect and abuse investigations. My first- and second-hand knowledge of these cases makes me absolutely qualified to offer the following patterns in a factual rather than simply anecdotal fashion. Causes for animal neglect in order of occurrence are:

1. Owner ignorance - basic lack of understanding of the needs of that particular animal
2. Financial - bankruptcy, loss of work, divorce, overspending and general lack of resources
3. Plain apathy - laziness, lack of moral discipline. Instant gratification society means instant divestiture society. Easy come, easy go etc. These are the kind of people that would rather sit on the couch with a six-pack than show up at an absolutely free spay and neuter clinic. Too lazy to drive to the vet, pick up hay, clean stalls etc.
4. Narcotics abuse - substance addiction, alcoholism
5. Domestic violence - husband cuts off pets to punish spouse, father won’t feed dog to punish child, etc.


Because of the diverse scenarios behind neglect, reporting by the veterinary community requires equally diverse discretion and therefore would be dangerous to legislate. More often than not, neglect can be resolved by education, assistance and support. Understanding and programs aimed at helping those in need are the absolute best recourse for these situations. Reporting should be reserved for those given the opportunity to correct or amend a neglect situation that have chosen to consciously ignore these efforts.

Too many humane organizations and animal rights groups place their emphasis strictly toward saving or helping pets when it is the animal steward or owner that programs should be aimed at helping. In effect, help the owner and you help the pet.

Crossed Sabers Horse Rescue is not w/o it's flaws. (I worked with them, closely, for a few years...) Please do visit the site for more info on horse abuse and neglect. There are some good articles (opinions/suggestions) to look thru there:

http://www.crossedsabers.com/MOUNTAIN_STATE_HORSE_SCHOOL/Abuse_&_Neglect.htm