In October 2012, a Jack Russell Terrier puppy named Phoenix was set on fire in Buffalo, New York. The woman who discovered it was attracted by the black smoke. She managed to put out the flames with her sweater and rushed him to a small veterinary hospital with severe burns all over his body and a serious infection on his ankle. Although he lost 60% of both ears, he retained almost complete mobility in his leg. He still limps slightly. Judi Bunge, a senior veterinary technician at Buffalo Small Animal Hospital who cared for Phoenix, adopted him shortly after he made a full recovery. He now lives with Judi and his two other dogs. “Phoenix will become a therapy dog ​​and continue his work as an ambassador for the Shelter, an advocate against animal abuse and a symbol of resilience” (Phoenix social media page). But most stories end tragically and not as happily as Phoenix's. In most cases, the animal does not survive. Others survive but become too aggressive or timid to find a “forever home.” Animal cruelty is one of the most common and serious problems in the world and affects us more than we realize. Animal cruelty has existed since the dawn of time, since humans first interacted with animals. Animal cruelty involves causing suffering to an animal, whether through deliberate mistreatment or simple neglect. The Humane Society of the United States defines neglect as “failing to provide an animal with proper food, water, shelter, or veterinary care.” Because their misery lasts so long, animals who die from neglect can suffer just as much as animals who are intentionally harmed. » Legal protection of animals dates back to the 18th century BC. The first known cruelty prevention group was the ASPCA (American Society for Prevention...... middle of paper...... Law that makes reporting on animal cruelty illegal." The Atlantic March 19, 2014: n. web page March 24, 2014. Flynn, Clifton P. Understanding Animal Abuse: A Sociological Analysis New York, NY: Lantern, 2012. Print. Society of the United States RSS, nd Web March 24, 2014. Linzey, Andrew. Brighton: Sussex Academic, 2009. “Classifications and Occurrences of Abuse. of Animals in the United States. Np, nd Web April 7, 2014. “Want to help end animal cruelty and suffering? Animal Rights Action can help!” Animal Rights Action. . Np, and Web April 7.. 2014.