Final answer:
Option D, which suggests confronting readers with specific cases of animal cruelty, is the most relevant appeal to pathos. It uses emotional impact to generate support for tougher animal cruelty laws.
Step-by-step explanation:
A relevant appeal to pathos in an essay about instituting tougher laws against animal cruelty is option D, confronting the reader with specific cases of animal cruelty which cry out for justice. This approach captures the reader's emotions and draws on their sense of compassion and justice. By presenting harrowing stories of suffering animals, the essay can evoke feelings of empathy and outrage, which may motivate readers to support stronger anti-cruelty legislation.
Emotional appeals, such as those to pathos, are powerful rhetorical strategies that can target various emotions from fear and pity to love and compassion. These are often used to make the argument more persuasive and to encourage readers to take action.