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081002 
ASPCA.org has updated and posted a very good FAQ (Frequently Asked Question page) on their site concerning animal cruelty. Of particular interest to me was their list of some things that can be considered cruelty. Namely:
Tick or flea infestations
Wounds on the body
Patches of missing hair
Extremely thin, starving animal
Limping
An owner striking or otherwise physically abusing an animal
Dogs who are repeatedly left alone without food and water, and often chained in a yard
Dogs who have been hit by cars—or are showing any of the signs listed here—and have not been taken to a veterinarian
Dogs who are kept outside without shelter in extreme weather conditions
Animals who cower in fear or act aggressively when approached by their owners
Another very interesting quote on the latest newsletter that caught my eye was this one:
<QUOTE>“Without phone calls from the concerned citizens who report cruelty in their neighborhoods, we wouldn't know about most instances of animal abuse,” says ASPCA Supervisory Special Investigator Annemarie Lucas, whom you may have seen in action on Animal Planet’s Animal Precinct.
<END QUOTE>
They can not protect themselves; it is up to us to help them.
You can read the above and much more by visiting:
http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=cruelty_faq#whatiscruel
The link will open in a new window, so to return here, just close its window.
It is a fairly well known fact that many people who abuse animals will also abuse children, their spouses, strangers and even their own immediate family. There are some well written F.B.I. articles on the subject which I will post links to when I get the time. If you wish to initiate your own research on this, you can go to www.fbi.gov, their public web site.
Please, report animal abuse via the proper channels and quickly whenever it is observed. - web site manager
There are some very compelling reasons why we should care about animal cruelty that go beyond the concepts of humane treatment and being kind to our pets. The following information is from the Humane Society of the United States and other reliable resources.
Are there actually laws that protect animals? ASPCA.ORG has a Mailing List that will keep you up to date on animal law and much more; almost everything from a to z. Check them out.
Check State Anticruelty Law link to the left for some current changes.
What is animal cruelty?
Animal cruelty encompasses a range of behaviors harmful to animals, from neglect to malicious killing. Most cruelty investigated by humane officers is unintentional neglect that can be resolved through education.
Intentional cruelty, or abuse, is knowingly depriving an animal of food, water, shelter, socialization, or veterinary care or maliciously torturing, maiming, mutilating, or killing an animal
Why is it a concern?
All animal cruelty is a concern because it is wrong to inflict suffering on any living creature.
Intentional cruelty is a particular concern because it is a sign of psychological distress and often indicates either that an individual has already experienced violence or may be predisposed to committing acts of violence.
Is there any evidence of a connection between animal cruelty and human violence?
Absolutely. Many studies in psychology, sociology, and criminology during the last twenty-five years have demonstrated that violent offenders frequently have childhood and adolescent histories of serious and repeated animal cruelty. The FBI has recognized the connection since the 1970s, when its analysis of the lives of serial killers suggested most had, as children, killed or tortured animals. Other research has shown consistent patterns of animal cruelty among perpetrators of more common violence, including child abuse, spouse abuse, and elder abuse, In fact, the American Psychiatric Association (APA) considers animal cruelty one of the diagnostic criteria of conduct disorder.
As natural "explorers," don't all children sometimes harm animals?
Absolutely not. While some children kill insects, few torture pets or other small creatures. If allowed to harm animals without penalty, children are more likely to commit violent acts later in life. Children who abuse animals are generally involved in bullying, vandalism, and more serious crimes, including arson. Animal cruelty, like any other form of violence, should never be attributed to a stage of development. Rather, it should be considered a warning that a child may be experiencing some form of psychological or physical distress.
Not all animal cruelty is intentional, however, and a child's acts of innocent exploration should be turned into opportunities for humane education. Telling stories, role playing, and creative writing can help you find out if a child is in distress and can help the child develop empathy. Additionally, teaching by example is one of a teacher's most powerful tools your efforts to rescue a bug or feed the birds will make a lasting impression.
What is the difference between innocent exploration and calculated animal cruelty?
Innocent exploration may come of simple curiosity, but calculated animal cruelty is motivated by a desire to harm. While even innocent acts of cruelty should be addressed, it is particularly important to intervene when a child is insensitive to the obvious distress of an animal, repeats a harmful behavior or derives pleasure from causing an animal pain.
How can I find out if a child has witnessed, experienced, or perpetrated cruelty?
A child perpetrator may boast of harming an animal, either verbally or in a story; a child who has witnessed animal cruelty may recount an incident that took place at home or in the neighborhood. These children may be cruel to, or unnecessarily rough with classroom pets or other animals in school. Other children may report something that was said by a child perpetrator or victim of abuse.
What should I do if I suspect a child has abused an animal or reports that a family member has abused an animal?
Discuss your suspicions with the school principal, psychologist, resource officer, or other law enforcement officer assigned to the school. Review the child's behavior, including attendance, peer relations, and academic performance. A parent/teacher/principal consultation is recommended before further action is taken.
Like any other serious crime, animal cruelty should be reported to the proper authorities. In most jurisdictions a report should be filed with the humane investigator at the local animal welfare agency. If there is no such organization in your area, report the incident to the police or sheriff's department. The child's parents should be made aware of the necessity of such a report. Based on the history of the student and the school team's findings, it may be necessary to file an additional report with the local child welfare agency often, children who abuse animals are abused themselves.
If a child reports that a family member is abusing an animal, a school team conference is necessary before filing reports with animal welfare and child welfare agencies.
Will I be required to testify?
If the case goes to court, you could be asked to testify at some point.
Can the cycle of abuse be broken?
Yes. According to the National Research Council, early prevention efforts are more likely to reduce adult crime than are criminal sanctions applied later in life. The APA's Commission on Violence and Youth encourages the adoption of broad and coordinated initiatives to prevent all youth violence or mitigate its effects.
How can I promote kindness, respect, and compassion through the curriculum?
Humane education, introduced by either classroom teachers, concerned parents, or local animal welfare agencies, should be an integral part of every elementary school curriculum. You will be an effective agent for humane education.
if your lesson plans include peer mediation and conflict resolution and your long term objectives are to encourage empathetic responses and ensure the safety of children and animals, The Youth Education Division of The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) publishes KIND News, a four page newspaper for elementary school students, KIND News helps teachers establish a classroom theme of kindness, respect, and tolerance.
For subscription information, contact The HSUS's Youth Education Division, PO. Box 362, East Haddam, CT 06423.
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