"Studies have shown that those who torture and kill animals at a young age have shown a tendency to be violent when they become adults. However, animal cruelty is listed under the “other” category, and when the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has to file away such cases, it makes these cases difficult to track, count, and find. The FBI has now made animal abuse its own category, where it will be easier to prosecute abusive pet owners and stop the torture and killing of animals.
Animal abuse will be listed as a Group A felony, much like homicides and arson have their own category. Authorities have four categories to choose from when filing their reports: simple or gross neglect, intentional abuse and torture; organized abuse such as dog fighting, cockfighting, and animal sexual abuse. The FBI is hoping that such databases will help police and other investigators with prosecution, sway juries during trials, help stop child owners from abusing their pets, and aid in research studying the effects of animal abuse and violence. With this new database, it will help stop young pet owners from hurting their animals, and to give the police background regarding cases that involve adult killers. Thank the FBI for classifying animal abuse in its own category, as this will help protect animals from demented human beings."
