Pet Trade

Pet trade is the illegal act of capturing wild animals and selling them, often putting them in harsh inhumane conditions. Pet trade is considered a type of animal cruelty, and despite being illegal, animals are still being smuggled, especially in 3rd world countries. The animals are crowded together in small cages, and disease can spread quickly and deadly. They are then sold for a cheap price, to those who buy them. Some of the most common animals that are part of pet trade, are slow lorises, snakes, turtles, parrots, big cats, and monkeys. Puppy and kitten mills are another type of pet trade, where dogs and cats are bred excessively, until they are no longer able to reproduce. The puppies and kittens are crammed into small cages, treated inhumanely, and are ultimately sold to pet shops. More information on each animal is provided on the menu bar. Please try to prevent animal cruelty.

How to Report Animal Cruelty

Find out the agency that manages animal cruelty in your town, state, etc. Then, gather the following information before reporting:

A written statement of your observation (date, time, etc.)

Photographs of the location, the animal

If you can, provide law enforcement with the names and contact information of other people who have firsthand information about the abusive situation

It is possible to file an anonymous report, but please consider providing your information. The case is more likely to be pursued when there are crediblewitnesses willing to stand behind the report and, if necessary, testify in court.

How to Recognize Animal Cruelty

Physical Signs of Cruelty

Tight collar that has caused a neck wound or has become embedded in the pet's neck

Open wounds, signs of multiple healed wounds or an ongoing injury or illness that isn't being treated

Skin conditions such as loss of hair, scaly skin, bumps or rashes

Extreme thinness (visible bones)

Parasite infested fur

Inadequate grooming, such matting of fur, overgrown nails and dirty coat

Weakness, limping or the inability to stand or walk normally

Heavy discharge from eyes or nose

Visible signs of confusion or extreme drowsiness

Environmental Signs of Cruelty

Pets are tied up alone without adequate food or water

Pets are kept outside without access to shelter

Pets are kept in an area littered with feces, garbage, broken glass etc.