As United States continues to teeter toward a recession, some experts say they believe people could be taking out their economic frustrations on their pets.
They blame the declining economy for the increase in animal cruelty reports in Massachusetts over the last four years. Figures for animals surrendered through investigations have exploded in the past three years, more than quadrupling from 440 animals in 2004 to 2,454 animals in 2007.
Brian Adams, spokesman for Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals-Angell Animal Medical Center, said at times the economy and animal abuse correlate. Alleged animal cruelty acts in Massachusetts have risen nearly 20 percent, from 2,615 in 2005 to 3,104 in 2007.
“When people are in tough situations, going through foreclosure, as they are now . . . if their animal is not spared or neutered, before they know it, they have dozens of animals in their apartment or house, and no room,” he said.
Though April was Animal Cruelty Month, Adams said animal cruelty should be prevented everyday.
“We don’t want people to go out and focus on it for one month and then forget about it,” he said.
Joanne Mainiero, Massachusetts Humane Society president, said she believes the country’s morals contribute to the increase.
“There are a lot of major problems in the home, and it is very easy for them to take out their problems and anger on their animal,” she said. “People just can’t afford these days to have their pet, and so they are forced to give the animal up.”
Animal rights supporters, including Adams and Mainiero, say they believe that the laws against animal abuse are too lenient.
Current Massachusetts laws for people who train animals to fight require no more than five years in prison or a fine of no more than $1,000.
Roberta Kalechofsky, an animal rights and vegetarianism writer, began the organization Jews for Animal Rights in 1985. She said animal rights should be extended beyond animals traditionally classified as pets.
“There are no laws covering the mistreatment of farm animals,” she said. “You can kick your cow to death and not be prosecuted.