Texas finds itself atop the list of states with the highest number of animal cruelty cases. That’s according to state rankings conducted by Veterinarians.org. Their analysis revealed that from 2012 to 2021 Texas led the country with nearly 7,000 offenses, six times higher than the national average of 1,146. Overall, around 10 million animals die from animal abuse, neglect or cruelty every year in the U.S.
Larry Christian, the spokesman for the Smith County Sheriff’s Office in Tyler, Texas, tells Avery Niles with KLTV News that they handle about 100 cases a year in their county alone. Christian says punishments can vary. “It ranges from punishment anywhere from a Class A misdemeanor all the way up to range up to a second-degree felony depending on the background of the individual and have they charged with similar offenses in the past.” Texas law also stipulates that if a person has been convicted of Cruelty to Animals two previous times, the offense is enhanced to a 3rd Degree Felony and a person can face up to 10 years of prison.
According to Humane Society International, roughly 85% of people arrested for animal abuse or cruelty have had multiple past arrests, with 70% having prior felonies. Further research, detailed by the National Library of Medicine, has discovered that 70% of people who committed domestic violence were also found to be animal abusers.
Back in Smith County, Texas, Christian says they work closely with local rescues to shelter and treat neglected and abused animals. Activists urge the public to speak up if they see or strongly suspect animal neglect or abuse.
