1. opposed to or working against cruelty; designed to prevent or reduce cruel treatment
Usage: often used in compound terms or organizational contexts; commonly applied to animal welfare laws and organizations

Examples

• The anticruelty organization works to protect animals from abuse.
• Many states have passed anticruelty legislation to strengthen animal welfare laws.
• The anticruelty movement has gained significant support over the past decade.
• Anticruelty inspectors investigate reports of animal mistreatment.
• The shelter operates under strict anticruelty standards.