"It is unfortunate that many people who witness, or hear about acts of animal cruelty are unaware that legal action can be taken to help stop the problem," says ASPCA President and CEO Dr. Larry Hawk. "Education and activism are the keys to solving this battle, therefore we are urging all Americans to spend some time this month to educate themselves and others about existing animal cruelty laws in their state and support pending legislation."

Today, 33 states and the District of Columbia have laws that make intentional cruelty a felony charge, while the rest treat animal cruelty as a misdemeanor. Nationally, The ASPCA continuously makes efforts to fight cruelty to animals through awareness, education and advocacy programs. In New York, The ASPCA's Humane Law Enforcement agents enforce The New York State's Animal Felony Cruelty Law.

The ASPCA offers the following advice to those who wish to make life more humane for the animals sharing our environment:

• If you witness or hear about animal cruelty taking place, report it to your local humane organization or call your local police. Click here to find a Humane Law Enforcment Agency near you.
• Learn about animal-friendly legislation pending in your state from The ASPCA's Government Affairs & Public Policy department. Click here to learn how you can Lobby For Animal Welfare.
• Become a member of The ASPCA Advocacy Brigade and take an active part in passing legislation. Send all inquiries to government@aspca.org.
• Teaching future generations to respect animal life will make our society more humane. Make sure schools in your town include humane education as part of their curriculum. Contact The ASPCA at education@aspca.org for classroom resources. You can also visit ASPCA's Humane Education section for more information.
• Learn how your local shelter can take steps to prevent animal cruelty. To promote Prevention of Animal Cruelty Month, local shelters can download materials by visiting the National Shelter Outreach section.

Have your pet spayed or neutered today!

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