Animal Cruelty can be either deliberate abuse or simply the failure to take care of an animal. Either way or whether the animal is a pet, a farm animal or wild life, the victim can suffer terribly. Don’t despair — anyone can take steps against cruelty.
Our information this week is from “Report Animal Cruelty” by the Humane Society of the United States. The Humane Society of the United States is dedicated to helping all animals — from animals in laboratories to pets at home. The organization furnishes know-how-to resources on caring for companion animals as well as solving problems with wildlife. You can get a closer look at the issues facing animals today, and find out what you can do to protect animals from cruelty in your own backyard.
Because animals cannot speak for themselves, it is up to you to speak for them and report animal abuse that you witness or suspect. While direct violence is the most obvious form of animal cruelty, animal neglect is by far the most common type of abuse to which animal control officers respond.
A shocking number of animals die from neglect every year, right under the noses of the entire community. If you see an animal in distress don’t assume that someone else will take care of the situation. Take action. Pay special attention to:
• Chained dogs are most likely to die from starvation, dehydration or hypothermia, since their confinement renders them especially vulnerable and helpless.
• Collar so tight that it has caused a neck wound or has become embedded in the pet’s neck.
• An owner striking or otherwise physically abusing an animal.
• Animals without shelter in extreme heat or cold.
• Clearly emancipated animals, clearly visible bones and lethargy can be a sign of an untreated, life-threatening medical condition or imminent starvation.
• Fur infested with fleas, ticks or other parasites.
• Obvious untreated wounds or other medical conditions; limping or otherwise demonstrating distress, and animals with multiple patches of missing fur and open sores needing treatment.
• Too many animals living on one property. This can be a sign of animal hoarding.
• Dogs or cats inside abandoned homes. Reports of abandoned and left to die inside vacant buildings or apartment units are startlingly common. If you notice a neighbor has moved or has stopped coming around the residence, be extra vigilant.
Help end dog fighting
Despite being wonderful companion animals, pit bulls often attract the worst kind of dog owners — those who are only interested in them for fighting or protection. It’s a shame what has happened to this loyal and affectionate breed. Despite its illegality, people are still training and breeding pit bulls to participate in dog fights across the country.
To help end it, support stronger laws and keep up to date on dog fighting legislation and reach out to local media about the dangers of dog fighting. Dog fighting is a crime and must be investigated by law enforcement.
You can also protect your pets by making sure they are micro-chipped and have proper identification. Dog fighters often will steal companion dogs to use as bail. You can also educate others in your community about the horrors of fighting and start a neighborhood watch program.
Familiarize yourself with S.C. laws, recognize the signs of abuse and be willing to report it. Animal cruelty is illegal in every state (and a felony in 46). If you make a report of alleged animal cruelty, the responding agency is required to investigate it in your area.
When you make the call, tell the officer as many details of the situation as you can. Video and photo documentation and get others who may have witnessed the incident. You should be prepared to testify. While you may remain anonymous, the case will be stronger with testimony.
Keep pets healthy
According to the Animal Poison Center, the top toxins for pets are prescription human medications, insecticides and over-the-counter human medications.
The top three types of medications animals are exposed to are heart medications (blood pressure pills), antidepressants and pain medications. Fifty percent of felines are exposed to insecticides while household cleaning products contain toxins that are harmful to pets.
Over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen as well as herbal products like fish oil and joint supplements can also be harmful to pets.
If you have any reason to suspect your pet has ingested something toxic, contact your veterinarian or Animal Poison Center’s 24-hour hotline at 888-426-4435.
Newberry County has a well-staffed animal control program. The Animal Shelter hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. You can also call them at 321-2185. An answering machine is available for messages. Remember: Summer months are here.Do not leave animals unattended.