PAWPRINTS

Archive for October 15th, 2008

1. Be aware.  Get to know and look out for the animals in your neighborhood. By being aware, you’re more likely to notice, for example, that the dog next door who was once hefty has lost weight rapidly—a possible indicator of abuse.

2. Learn to recognize animal cruelty. Here are some signs and symptoms :

• Tick or flea infestations. Such a condition, if left untreated by a veterinarian, can lead to an animal’s death.
• Wounds on the body.
• Patches of missing hair.
• Extremely thin, starving animals.
• Limping.
• An owner striking or otherwise 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.

3. Know who to call to report animal cruelty. Every state and province, and even every town is 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.

4. Provide as much as information as possible when reporting animal cruelty. The details that you provide can go a long way toward assisting the investigating officer. It helps to write down the type of cruelty that you witnessed, who was involved, the date of the incident and where it took place.

5. Call or write your local law enforcement department and let them know that investigating animal cruelty should be a priority. Animal cruelty is a CRIME—and the police MUST investigate these crimes.

6. Know your state’s or province’s animal cruelty laws. These vary from state to state, province to province, and  from city to city. You can visit the ASPCA’s online database of more than 550 animal cruelty laws—and their penalties—in all 50 states.

7. Fight for the passage of strong anti-cruelty laws on federal and local levels. Write letters encouraging your legislators to pass these laws-and you can send them directly from our website.

8. Set a good example for others. If you have pets, be sure to always show them the love and good care that they deserve – more than just food, water, and adequate shelter. If you think your animal is sick, bring him to the veterinarian. Be responsible and have your animals spayed or neutered.

9. Teach children  how to treat animals with kindness and respect.  Tell kids that their dog or cat would really appreciate fresh water every day,  a warm place to live, and love and play time. Help children understand that animals are living creatures who have the ability to feel pain, joy and sadness.

10. Support your local shelter or animal rescue organization. Make a difference. If possible, foster animals who have been abused in their former homes, giving these dogs and cats the chance they deserve to have a good life. Find a list of shelters and rescue groups in your area:

• Dog Breed Rescue Directory  (USA,  Canada, UK)
• Purebred Cat Rescue (USA, Canada, UK)
• Pet Rescue (USA, Canada, UK) 
• National Shelter Directory (US)