According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 2024 statistics, one of every seven kids may have experienced neglect or abuse within the past 12 months.¹ Further, child abuse leading to non-accidental trauma is one of the leading causes of death in kids under 15.² Additionally, the CDC notes one out of every 10 adults over 60 experiences exploitation, neglect, or abuse annually.³ I don't think I need to continue with the statistics. It is pretty clear the human race abuses individuals of all ages. Sadly, this abuse may also impact the animals we care for, both indirectly and directly.

Research has shown individuals who abuse animals are more apt to harm humans than those who do not.^4–8 Furthermore, the perpetration of animal abuse by an individual may act as an indicator, particularly in the case of a child who has experienced abuse, whether in the past or currently.^5,6,9–12 Thus, the recognition, reporting, and handling of suspected abuse cases in veterinary medicine impact not just an individual animal's health and well-being but may have greater implications and far-reaching impacts on family members and others in their circle.

Identifying an abused animal may help prevent the abuse or neglect of a human family member, friend, or even a stranger. This is a genuine One Health concern. Environmental factors, in addition to human and animal risk factors, play a role in the development of cruelty/neglect, and our intervention may save lives.

Recognizing animal abuse

As veterinarians, we take an oath to do no harm and advocate for our patients who cannot speak for themselves. We have a moral duty to act if we suspect negligence or intentional cruelty in a patient. How we act may look different for each person and may vary depending on what state laws mandate, or voluntarily encourage the reporting of suspected animal abuse to the proper authorities.^13–15