Problem StatementEvery year, the most extreme cases of animal abuse receive media attention. However, the problem of animal cruelty is more widespread than reported in the media. Animal abuse and neglect is a national problem affecting thousands of animals nationwide. Animal cruelty is defined as the infliction of physical pain, suffering, or death on an animal beyond what is necessary. It is necessary to stop abusers from acting in such a horrible way, preventing the abandonment and suffering of animals. What drives abusers to act so cruelly towards animals? How are animal abuse cases handled and how should they be handled? Finally, does the status of animals in society contribute to the rate of their abuse? This article seeks to answer these questions and provide possible solutions to end the harmful practice of animal abuse. Causes There are several theories about how violence against animals begins. One theory is that there is a pre-established mental state of abusers that allows them to accept abuse and, sometimes, even take pleasure in harming animals. The ready acceptance and enjoyment of cruelty means that many everyday emotions can trigger animal cruelty. This occurs when a person experiences an extreme emotion, such as anger. Unable to express this feeling, the attacker will find a more convenient target – a defenseless animal – and vent his frustrations on it. For example, in Sara Gruen's novel Water for Elephants, August, the animal supervisor at the circus, discovers that he is in trouble. August is blamed for the actions of the circus elephant, Rosie. As Gruen writes, August feels the need to release this anger and, “[…] shocked listeners could still make out the dull thud of the hook hitting fl...... in the center of the paper...... a cause to volunteer at this shelter and will seek to raise awareness in our community of the importance of Mt Pleasant and similar organizations. By combining all three solutions, we can reduce the occurrence of animal abuse. My solution to ending the animal abuse problem is to use both the solutions proposed by Siebert and those of the ASPCA, along with volunteering at animal rescue facilities. Animal abuse is a national problem due to multiple causes, but it also has many proposed solutions. The emotional state of the abuser is an important cause of abuse. There are also external causes, such as lack of humane law enforcement and uncertainty about the status of animals in society. However, many resolutions are also being proposed that would stop the cycle of abuse in more places. Animal abuse is a serious problem in the United States, with many prospects for solutions.