Animal Cruelty Research & Insights from New York City: ASPCA & NYPD Findings
After a four-month pilot program in the Bronx, the ASPCA-NYPD partnership officially began in
January 2014. The cases received by the ASPCA between September 2013 and 2022 represent a window into acts of suspected animal cruelty committed in a major metropolitan area and an example of cases received by an animal welfare organization working in partnership with local law enforcement.
Key Study Takeaways
From 2013 to 2022, the ASPCA worked with the NYPD on 2,783 suspected animal cruelty cases involving about 5,700 animals. Most of these cases involved dogs (82%), with a few others that involved cats (15%) and other animals (4%). Dogs were usually brought in for suspected neglect, like not getting enough food, water or care. Cats, however, were more often seen for suspected intentional harm or injury.
Most cases were reported by law enforcement, but animal shelters and veterinarians also played a role. Overall, neglect appears to be the most common type of animal cruelty, especially for dogs. At the same time, cruelty toward cats may be more serious or less often reported, meaning it may not be as well understood. The findings show a need for more awareness and research, especially to better identify and prevent harm to cats.
These results are similar to what has been seen in other places, both in the United States and in other countries. They show that animal cruelty cases most often involve neglect, and most often involve dogs.
Seeing these patterns across different locations suggests that animal cruelty tends to follow similar trends everywhere. It also shows that this is an ongoing and serious problem in many communities, not just in one specific area.
Tips to Implement Changes at Your Shelter
Collecting or reviewing available data on suspected cases of animal cruelty contributes to understanding needs in your community. Considerations should be given to response, prevention and crimes that may be under–reported.
Caldwell, S., Patterson-Kane, E., Brandler, E., Gupta, M., & Lockwood, R. (2025). Animal cruelty in New York City: cruelty cases presented to the ASPCA in partnership with the NYPD 2013–2022. Animals, 15(5), 662.
Related Resources
Animal Cruelty Course in ASPCA Learn: This course will equip you with the knowledge you need to recognize, respond to, and report signs of animal cruelty, abuse, and neglect—because your actions can change lives.
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