The Internet delivers an astounding array of images and ideas into homes across the world—but not all of these images are particularly animal-friendly. In the United States, individuals have the constitutional right to free speech, which includes the right to discuss and advocate for animal abuse in public forums like the Internet.
Unfortunately, some of what is being shown online crosses into the realm of illegal activity. Rest assured, animal cruelty is a crime in every state—if people go beyond discussion and actually practice what they preach, they can be prosecuted for animal cruelty under their local laws.
Hoax Sites
While some online images of animal cruelty are, sadly, all too real, many websites that appear, at first glance, to promote animal cruelty are hoaxes. Of course, websites that are disturbing or disgusting are not breaking the law if no animals are actually being harmed. While you can certainly express your opposition to these sites to the companies that host them, be aware that their content is protected by the First Amendment.
For example, the infamous joke website, Bonsaikitten.com, offered “rectilinear kittens” (kittens stuffed into glass jars) for “sale,” but provided no payment options or prices and, in reality, did not sell anything. In addition, the images were computer generated, so no live kittens were abused to create the photos on the website. Bonsaikitten.com was entirely immune to prosecution because it did not break any laws.
Bonsaikitten.com was a pioneer in the world of faux-abuse websites, and apparently the joke has not gotten old. Newer websites continue to use tasteless humor and shock value to generate attention—although most of them do not harm animals or offer anything for sale. One such website is puppyprofits.com, which satirizes dog fighting as an easy path to “big money, big excitement, and an amazing new life […]!” Another is puppybeef.com, a “Premium Dog Meat Supermarket” with clip-art photos of meat and no actual checkout system. Remember, hoaxes and parodies on the Internet, no matter how offensive, are exempt from cruelty laws.
Internet Hunting
Internet hunting—also called remote-controlled or computer-assisted hunting—allows a remote computer user to kill real animals. At a game ranch that the armchair “hunters” view live on their computer monitors, a real, loaded gun is mounted on a robotic tripod. Food is used to lure animals—many of whom have lost their fear of humans—within close range, at which time the Internet hunters can line up a shot with their computer mouse and “fire” at will.
taken from the ASPCA website.
