What is it about?
Between September 2013 and 2022, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) received 2783 reports of suspected animal cruelty involving 5745 animals in partnership with the New York City Police Department (NYPD). Most cases involved dogs (2271, or 82%) and cats (408, or 15%), with dogs reported mainly for neglect (1424 cases, or 63%) and cats for suspected non-accidental injuries (233 cases, or 58%). These findings highlight the need to address neglect as a prevalent type of animal cruelty. The treatment of cats appears to be under-reported and may be more severe than currently recognized.
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Why is it important?
It is widely understood that neglect is the most common kind of animal cruelty and can have effects that are just as devastating as violent abuse, however, this study is one of only a small number to provide objective evidence in support of this experience. The relatively small number of cats involved suggests these crimes may be under-reported (15% of suspected cases involved cats, when cats are about 50% of pets owned, and there are also community and feral cats).
Perspectives
A review of cases of suspected animal cruelty in New York City showed that neglect, especially of dogs, is common. Cruelty to cats may be under-reported and requires more research.
Dr. Emily Patterson-Kane
American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Animal Cruelty in New York City: Cruelty Cases Presented to the ASPCA in Partnership with the NYPD 2013–2022, Animals, February 2025, MDPI AG,
DOI: 10.3390/ani15050662.
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