Animal Cruelty refers to any act or neglect that causes unnecessary pain, suffering, or harm to an animal. This can include beating, kicking, or otherwise physically abusing animals; failing to provide them with adequate food, water, shelter, and medical care; abandonment; and other forms of mistreatment. Animal cruelty is considered a serious offense in many countries, as it violates the animal's basic right to be treated humanely and can lead to further suffering or even death.