Here are some other signs and symptoms of animal cruelty:
- Tick or flea infestations. If left untreated by a veterinarian, these conditions can lead to an animal's death.
- Wounds on the body.
- Patches of missing hair.
- Extremely thin.
- Limping.
- An owner striking or physically abusing an animal.
- Dogs who are repeatedly left alone without food and water, often chained up in a yard.
- Dogs who have been hit by cars-or are showing any of the signs listed above-and have not been taken to a veterinarian.
- Dogs who are kept outside without shelter in extreme weather conditions.
- Animals who cower in fear or act aggressively when approached by their owners.
Get
familiar with your communities authorities, and know whom to call to report animal cruelty. Some
cities and states have their own animal authorities that are dedicated
specifically to crimes involving animals. But every state and every town are
different. In some areas, you may have to rely on the police department to
investigate animal cruelty; in others, you may have to contact local animal
control or another municipal agency. If you aren't sure where to report
cruelty, it is best to call the police department and ask them for assistance.
Pay
attention to details, and to know the animals in your neighborhood. By
being alert, you're more likely to notice when a pet in the neighborhood who
was once hefty has lost weight rapidly, which is a possible indicator of abuse.
Concerned?
Make the call. Without phone calls from concerned citizens
reporting cruelty, or even suspected cruelty, in their neighborhoods, most
cases of animal abuse would be unknown to authorities. It all comes from the
public and it all starts with you. Remember it is important to keep your eyes
and ears open. Also remember to provide
as much as information as possible when reporting animal cruelty. The
details that you provide can go a long way toward assisting an investigating
officer. It helps to write down the type of cruelty you witnessed, who was
involved, the date of the incident and where it took place.
Talk to
your kids about how to treat animals with kindness and respect. Children
will often mirror your actions. If they are taught at a young age how to treat
pets with love and affection, they will do the same. Be sure they know the
importance of being a responsible pet owner and the importance on respecting
animals.
Supporting
your local shelter or animal rescue organization, is a great
way to make a difference. Shelters and rescues are always accepting donations.
Donations don’t always have to be cash either; you can donate pet supplies as
well. Another way of supporting shelters and rescues is fostering pets that
have been abused in their former homes, until they find their forever home.
Either way you would be giving these dogs and cats the chance they deserve to
have a good life.
If you have pets, be sure to always show them the
love and good care they deserve. It's more than just food, water, and adequate
shelter; it is also your pets overall well-being. If you think your animal is
sick, bring them to the veterinarian. Be a responsible pet owner and have your
animals spayed or neutered. Last, but not least, remember give your pets lots
of hugs!
