Every day, social media platforms are flooded with images and videos showing acts of cruelty, abuse and violence against animals. Faced with such content, many people instinctively share it, believing that spreading awareness will help bring attention to the issue and support the victims.

While this reaction is understandable, sharing graphic content is not always the most effective way to help animals. In some cases, it can even contribute to the problem.

 Are We Helping the Victim or the Perpetrator?

Many individuals who publish videos or images depicting animal abuse do so with the intention of attracting attention, generating reactions and increasing the visibility of their content. Every share, repost and comment helps expand the audience and prolong the circulation of the material.

By repeatedly sharing these images, we may unintentionally give perpetrators exactly what they are seeking: exposure.

There is also another concern. The widespread circulation of violent content can contribute to the normalization of cruelty and may even encourage imitation by individuals seeking attention through similar acts.

Awareness Is Important, But Action Is More Important

Raising awareness about animal cruelty is essential. However, there is a significant difference between informing the public and endlessly circulating graphic images of suffering animals.

When encountering content that depicts animal abuse, the most effective response is not necessarily to share it, but to take concrete action.

What Should You Do Instead?

If you come across a video, photograph or post showing violence against animals, consider taking the following steps:

– Preserve useful evidence, such as screenshots, links or account information.
– Report the content directly to the social media platform where it was published.
– Notify the competent authorities in your country whenever possible.
– Inform animal protection organizations that may be able to assist with investigations or advocacy efforts.
– Encourage others to report the content rather than share it.

A single report may seem insignificant, but collective reporting can help remove harmful content, identify perpetrators and support legal action.

Turning Outrage into Action

Many cases of animal abuse have been investigated and prosecuted thanks to reports submitted by concerned citizens. Reporting provides authorities with valuable information and helps transform public concern into meaningful action.

Sharing a video may generate temporary outrage.

Reporting it may help stop the abuse.

OIPA ETS Encourages Responsible Reporting

OIPA ETS encourages citizens worldwide to use official reporting channels whenever they encounter online content involving violence against animals.

In several countries, dedicated reporting systems and cybercrime units allow citizens to submit reports concerning illegal online content. OIPA ETS also supports initiatives aimed at facilitating the reporting of animal cruelty and promoting cooperation between citizens, animal protection organizations and authorities.

For example, OIPA Italy provides a dedicated reporting platform through which citizens can report cases of animal abuse and online content involving violence against animals. Reports are then forwarded to the relevant authorities for assessment and possible investigation.

 Every View Matters. Every Report Matters More

The fight against animal cruelty does not end with indignation.

The next time you encounter a disturbing video or image online, take a moment before pressing the “share” button.

Ask yourself: Am I helping the animal, or am I helping the content spread further?

The most powerful action is often not sharing.

It is reporting.

Don’t share animal cruelty. Report it.