April is dedicated to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month to bring awareness to animal cruelty so a change can happen. Animal cruelty is when an animal is being harmed one way or another; whether the animal is getting neglected, getting hit, or physically hurt. Last year about fifty American police dogs died of heat exhaustion from being locked in hot cars. Animal cruelty dates back as early as 1300 B.C. when some Europeans burned cats alive. Massachusetts Bay Colony’s Body of Liberties passed the first laws in America disavowing animal abuse in 1641. Unfortunately, abusing animals is very common and this month helps bring acknowledgment to these horrible actions. Something you can do to help support this cause would speak up if you see an animal being harmed and put in danger. You can also volunteer at your local animal shelter to help out and provide comfort to the animals that are victims of animal abuse.