The Four Stages of Cruelty

The Four Stages of Cruelty, developed by animal welfare pioneer Henry Burgh, describe how patterns of cruelty often progress in harmful individuals. The first stage involves minor acts of cruelty or neglect. If unchecked, the second stage reveals more deliberate and serious cruelty. The third stage shows increasing violence, often extending to harm of others or animals. Finally, in the fourth stage, individuals may commit acts of extreme brutality or even harm humans. Recognizing these stages helps in early intervention to prevent escalation into severe violence, emphasizing the importance of addressing cruelties in their initial phases.