HEADING:
The Necessity and scope of animal cruelty laws
Animal cruelty laws no doubt remain some of the most vital ways to guarantee animal welfare and penalize parties responsible in cases of inhumane treatment. It is moderately effective since such a law is handling abuses, but its enforcement is still spotty. All animals should be protected whether or not they are considered pets since both livestock and pets are sensitive beings capable of suffering. Drawing a line between them will always allow room to justify neglect for those in the livestock category on various economic grounds. Without laws, these would only remain at the level of subjective judgment by individuals, which might turn into unheeded harm and disaster in the name of personal discretion. Without such legislation, there would be no assurance of uniform protection, and robust mechanisms for enforcement are necessary to ensure ethical treatment and humane stewardship.
