Final answer:
Animal abuse can be addressed by both criminal and civil law. While criminal law pertains to societal harm and is prosecuted by the government, civil law covers disputes between private parties, such as harm to one's animal.
Step-by-step explanation:
Animal abuse can fall under both civil and criminal divisions of law. Criminal law deals with conduct that is considered harmful to society as a whole, leading to the government charging the individual with a crime. This is the case when laws are established to protect animals from abuse, and individuals who violate these laws may face criminal charges, which might include fines or imprisonment.
In contrast, civil law involves disputes between private parties, including cases where one party alleges harm or injury caused by another. Therefore, if an animal owner sues another individual for abusing their animal, this could be a civil case.