More than 50K animal abuse offenses in Pennsylvania since Libre’s Law enacted

ALTOONA, Pa. (WTAJ) — More than 50,000 animal abuse offenses have been filed in Pennsylvania since the inception of Libre’s Law in 2017.

Libre’s Law, also called “Animal Cruelty Act 10,” was enacted in Aug. 2017. That year, the Commonwealth saw 965 offenses filed, court data shows. That number peaked at nearly 12,000 in 2018. It dropped to under 4,000 in 2020 but has stayed above 8,000 since — a total of 52,789. It’s important to note that 2017 data does not include any offenses before the law was enacted.

Age and gender:

Males make up a vast majority of offenders (52 percent). The age of the biggest culprits is 46-65, by very slim margins — 25 percent. Ages 26-35 make up 24 percent of offenders. People under 18 make up the smallest amount at only 2 percent.

Offense types:

Of the 52,789 offenses, 61 percent (32,233) were for neglect while 29 percent (15,500) were cruelty and aggravated cruelty made up 10 percent (5,056), the data reveals.

Counties:

There are 10 counties that make up nearly half of the animal abuse cases (48 percent), most under five percent. The most alarming number comes from Allegheny County with 15 percent.

Bucks County makes up five percent while Beaver, Lackawana, Lancaster and Washington make up four percent each. Fayette, Dauphin, Westmoreland and Philadelphia counties each make up three percent.

What is Libre’s Law?

Libre’s Law is an anti-cruelty law that helps strengthen our furry friends’ protection. It also increased penalties for animal abuse in Pennsylvania, including making aggravated assault of an animal a felony in the state.

The law was inspired by a Boston Terrier puppy who was found badly neglected in Lancaster County. The law went into effect on Aug. 28, 2017.

Libre’s Law also specifies leaving a pet outdoors in extreme temperatures. Under the law, a dog can not be left outside for more than 30 minutes if the temperature is over 90 degrees or below freezing — 32 degrees.

To learn more about Libre’s Law, you can visit Humane-PA.org by clicking here.