Animal cruelty statistics indicate an increase in animal cruelty cases. However, some of the increase can be attributed to better investigative techniques and an increase in reporting. Yet,  animal cruelty statistics do indicate an increase in incidence which can be attributed to the poor state of the economy. As families struggle to pay the bills, they may abandon or stop caring for their pets.

 

 

There have been many famous animal cruelty cases, including Michael Vick. He was accused and found guilty of running a dog fighting ring. Cases such as this, bring national attention to a growing problem. After this case received wide media coverage, people began to look for the signs of dog fighting rings and reports poured in.

 

 

Since that case, there have been many dog fighting rings reported in places such as New York state. In fact, there have been hundreds of arrests, usually as a result of long and intensive investigations. In addition to undercover police work, the public has helped to reduce the crime, by reporting any suspicious activity which may be attributed to dog fighting, such as pit bulls with injuries.

 

 

Animal cruelty cases also involve abandonment. As families can no longer afford to care for their pets, they abandon them or simply fail to care for them any longer. As a result, many towns have reduced or eliminated fees for leaving an animal at a shelter.