Animal Cruelty - You can help stop it!
I hope you have never seen animal cruelty! To willfully hurt or neglect another living being has to be one of the most horrible acts a human can carry out! I have to say, I have NO sympathy for anyone who hurts animals. It is difficult to know what to do if you are witness to something like this, I know.
Many years ago, I lived close to a home who had the sweetest, most wonderful dog who was chained to a tree on a six foot chain. Everyone in the neighborhood loved Ginger and would talk to her on daily walks and give her treats. We all thought this was a horrendous situation. Yet, no one wanted to confront the issue with the owners. The dog was chained in an area that could also flood in times of high water. (I eventually learned that a neighbor of ours happened to be home during a heavy rainstorm and saw the water begin to rise. This kind soul went over to the dog and removed the chain from the tree so he could take the dog back to his home and make sure she wasn't drowned. It is hard for me to imagine that Ginger's parents wouldn't think of this lovely dog when they could see the rain coming down so hard and the potential for her peril.) Day after day, this beautiful dog languished on her chain.
I couldn't stand it anymore, so I called Animal Control and reported the situation to them. I told Animal Control that I hoped that my name wouldn't be disclosed and they told me they never tell the people who reported them and that they visit in a "teaching" capacity first and try to help the dog owners learn new strategies to make the dog's life more pleasant. The solutions that Animal Control helped with were practical, humane, and effective. Ginger wasn't allowed in the house (that I don't get at all!) so the options took the family's wishes into consideration. Animal Control met with my neighbors and showed them how to rig a long line so that Ginger could run on it and could get into a shelter that wouldn't flood and helped the family set up a comfortable living quarter for Ginger as well. I could see the joy that Ginger had in running back and forth in this area. She seemed to enjoy her new living space. The whole neighborhood rejoiced!
So, what can you do in a similar situation?
The Humane Society of the United States has put out a brochure entitled "Report Animal Cruelty".
There are several conditions that the pamphlet addresses.
The first thing I want you to know is that every state has laws prohibiting animal cruelty, and all of them contain felony provisions in some circumstances. It is noted, though, that a law is only as good as its enforcement. That is why animals rely on you to protect them by reporting animal abuse!
Defining Cruelty:
Most reported animal cruelty is in the form of neglect. Direct violence is less frequent. It is difficult to define the type of cruelty, but there are several categories which may help you figure out what kind it is. That helps in reporting it to animal control. So here are categories to consider:
Pets left in cars:
I get that people want to take pets with them when they go on errands or out for a while. BUT, the temperature in a car can rise far more quickly that you can imagine. Death comes quickly in circumstances like this. Leave the pet at home!
Neglect:
Neglect is a failure to provide for an animal's basic needs: lack of clean water or food, lack of adequate shelter or veterinary care, tethering and abandonment are a few conditions of neglect.
Direct Abuse:
It is crucial to involve law enforcement quickly if a person is beating or attacking an animal. This is really hard to witness, but you may save the animal's life. Plus, this may prevent future abuse and hold abusers accountable.
Reporting Abuse:
Call 911 if you witness suspected cruelty to animals. If your area is not equipped to deal with something like this, you may email or call the Humane Society of the United States. Speak with one of their experts about suspected abuse. Document the case as well as you can with dates, times and specific details. Take video or photos of the act on your phone. All of these things will help the abused animal be saved.
Severe Neglect:
This may be housing more animals than a person can take care of. Sometimes this can be a hoarding situation or a breeding mill. Contact your local animal control in cases like this.
My next article will give more examples of what to watch out for as well as other ways you can help.
You can explore other areas if you wish by visiting The Humane Society of the United States. There are great suggestions and articles about saving animals.
