More than 50% of animal abuse cases involve dogs, and most states don't include livestock in animal cruelty laws. Every year, 66,000 dogs and 21,000 cats are subjected to testing each year. To abusers, animals are just "things" to be played with and disposed of. This is the harsh reality some animals face every day. They're locked up in labs, hoarded in inexplicable living conditions, used in fights, or being dumped on the side of the road: unwanted, unloved, and alone. And it's absolutely soul crushing.

Animals aren’t just animals to most of us. They are loyal companions who lay on your bed when you feel sick, snuggle with you when you're crying, and will never leave your side. My cat, named Sassy, is my actual daughter; she sleeps in the same bed as me, she lays on my bed when I’m writing or watching TV, and she follows me everywhere. I would never think of her as anything less than family, and I’m sure many of you can relate! Animals are life-long friends (and children for many of us, like myself).

It pains me to see how little is being done to improve laws against animal cruelty and animal abusers. However; FEAR NOT! Many United States Jurisdictions have begun to register animal abusers like they register sex offenders. Their names will be available to the public and on the registry for two years unless another offense is made, which adds an extra five years for each offense. You can see animal abusers in your area, and local vets will have a potential adopter sign a form stating you are not on the registry. This not only prevents animals from being killed by heartless, awful people, but it completely changes the way our society views animals.

Even though the only state to have an animal abuse registry, counties such as Suffolk County, Cook County in Chicago, and New York are also adopting the registry!

Animals are so wonderful and it’s horrifying to think so many are neglected and abused while perpetrators often get away with little or no sentencing. Animals are our best friends; they’re loyal until death, all they need is food, water, and a lot of love, and they’re the perfect cuddle buddy. They deserve so much more than we often give them, and an animal abuse registry in every state would be the first step to show how much we truly love them!

If you're interested in adopting, some local rescue shelters around New York City include Rescue Dogs Rock NYC, Animal Haven, BARC Shelter, and Badass Brooklyn Animal Rescue. Donations are always welcome to these organizations, as well as ASPCA, PETA, and The Humane Society of the United States.