11 Facts About Animal Cruelty

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1. Puppy mills are large-scale commercial dog breeding operations that put greater priority on profits than the health of the puppies. Many dogs are plagued with illnesses like kidney or heart disease as a result of the conditions they’re kept in.^[American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. "Puppy Mills." Web Accessed February 18, 2015.]
2. Thousands of greyhounds die each year—some in the name of “selective breeding”—before they ever touch a racetrack. Many dogs do not make it to the nominal “retirement” age of 4 or 5.^[People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. "Greyhound Racing." Web Accessed February 18, 2015.]
3. Due to genetic manipulation, 90% of broiler chickens (chicken bred specifically for meat production) have trouble walking. Encourage your school cafeteria to go meatless on Mondays to protest. Sign up for Meatless Mondays.^[GRACE Communications Foundation. "Animal Welfare." Sustainable Table. Web Accessed February 18, 2015.]
4. Dogfighting became prevalent in the US after the Civil War, with professional pits proliferating in the 1860s. And was a source of entertainment for police officers and firemen.^[American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. "Disaster & Cruelty, Dogfighting FAQ." Web Accessed February 18, 2015.]
5. Today dogfighting has been reported in urban, suburban, and rural settings in all regions of the country.^[American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. "Disaster & Cruelty, Dogfighting FAQ." Web Accessed February 18, 2015.]
6. More than 50% the fur in the US comes from China, where millions of dogs and cats are often bled to death and skinned alive for their fur. Chinese fur is often mislabeled, so if you wear any fur, there’s no sure way of knowing whose skin you’re in.^[People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. "The Fur Industry." Web Accessed February 18, 2015.]
7. It’s been estimated that there are 900 to 2,000 new cases every year of animal hoarding in the US, with 250,000 animals falling victim.^[American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. "Animal Hoarding FAQ." Web Accessed February 18, 2015.]
8. Over 115 million animals – mice, rats, dogs, cats, rabbits, monkeys, birds, among others – are killed in laboratory experiments worldwide for chemical, drug, food, and cosmetics testing every year.^[Human Society International. "About Animal Testing." Web Accessed February 18, 2015.]
9. Every major circus that uses animals has been cited for violating the minimal standards of care set by the United States Animal Welfare (AWA).^[Born Free USA. "Get The Facts: Specific Circus Fact Sheets." Web Accessed February 18, 2015.]
10. Most rodeo events rely on creating a stressful environment for the domesticated and often docile animals involved. Participants rely on harsh handling practices (i.e. twisting calves’ tails or painful electric shocks) to make animals perform.^[People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. "Rodeo: Cruelty for a Buck." Web Accessed February 18, 2015.]
11. The exotic pet trade is a multi-billion dollar industry in the US and while some wild pets are bred in captivity, many are taken from their native habitats. The stress of being violently removed from their homes causes a number to die prematurely.^[People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. "Inside The Exotic Animal Trade." Web Accessed February 18, 2015.]