What is meant by "cruel manner" in relation to animals?

The term "cruel manner" in relation to animals specifically refers to the infliction of unjustified or unwarranted pain or suffering upon them. This concept encompasses actions or omissions that lead to distress, harm, or serious suffering for the animal, beyond what could be considered necessary for their care or training. Understanding this definition is essential for ensuring that animals are treated humanely and that any training or handling methods employed do not cross the line into cruelty.

In contrast, ensuring strict discipline for training may sometimes be perceived as a responsible approach to animal training if done humanely, and allowing animals to roam freely, while it can present its own set of challenges, doesn't inherently equate to cruelty. Providing minimal care for survival might indicate neglect, but it does not necessarily imply the direct infliction of pain or suffering characteristic of cruelty. Each of these alternatives lacks the critical aspect of causing unnecessary suffering, which defines actions taken in a "cruel manner."