US Taking a Tougher Stance Against Animal Cruelty - East Idaho News
National

US Taking a Tougher Stance Against Animal Cruelty

  Published at  | Updated at

getty 102414 petsdogscats?  SQUARESPACE CACHEVERSION=1414144024702iStock/Thinkstock(WASHINGTON) — People who hate animal cruelty should be happy about an important change in federal law that will go into effect next year.

Beginning in 2015, the FBI will consider animal cruelty as a crime against society, falling into the same category as homicide, kidnapping, burglary and arson. Animal cruelty crimes will also be included in the Uniform Crime Report — National Incident Based Reporting System.

The change should help law enforcement authorities get a better handle on understanding the motivation behind these crimes as well as stopping future ones from occurring.

Animal cruelty crimes will be reported to the UCR under the following classifications: simple/gross neglect; intentional abuse and torture; organized abuse; and animal sexual abuse.

Besides protecting animals from some unspeakable acts, the FBI also believes that the new system will help prevent violent crimes against humans since studies have shown that people who commit heinous acts such as serial killing often abused, hurt and killed animals during their adolescence.


Copyright 2014 ABC News Radio

SUBMIT A CORRECTION