Prevent Animal Cruelty
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
By: Alicia Wright

Learn to recognize the signs of cruelty so you can take the first step...

In the past 18 months, severe cases of animal cruelty have been making national news.  Michael Vick and the Westland/Hallmark slaughterhouse are just a couple of names that are now household words all across America.  Both of these cases have galvanized public support for the humane treatment of animals.  One of the most important things that any of us can do to prevent animal cruelty is to start at home.

So what can we do to act locally?

The first step in prevention is learning to recognize the signs that indicate a potential or very real cruelty situation.  Cruelty can take many different forms ranging from unintentional neglect due to lack of education and/or finances all the way up to and including premeditated cruelty like dog fighting.  Listed below are many of the visible signs indicating that cruelty and/or neglect is taking place.

1. Flea and/or tick infestations.
2. Wounds; either new or left untreated to fester.
3. Patches of missing hair and/or dirty, matted and smelly fur.
4. Pets are emaciated (extremely thin).
5. Pets are limping or cannot move at all.
6. Observed beating or other forms of physical abuse.
7. Pets regularly left alone without food and water.
8. Dogs kept (or chained) outside without shelter, food and water.
9. Pets who are afraid of their owners (cowering, acting aggressively).
10. Withholding medical care and attention.
11. Pets who cower or act aggressively to all people.
12. Pet living conditions that are constantly filthy.
13. Too many animals living in a crate or cage.

The second step in prevention is to report it, don’t ignore it!  Every state handles animal cruelty cases differently.  In Connecticut, your local Animal Control department and/or officers are the individuals charged with upholding animal cruelty laws and statutes.  They have the responsibility for and the legal authority to investigate reports, pick up stray animals, confiscate pets in alleged cruelty cases and work with local police to make arrests of individuals facing cruelty charges.

If you suspect cruelty is taking place, you should contact your local Animal Control department to make a report.  They will require you to give your name and contact information so that they can follow-up with you if necessary.  This is an important step to take because the authorities cannot investigate or even begin to put a stop to the cruelty unless they hear from the community.

The third step in prevention is education, education and more education.  It is our responsibility as pet owners to understand and to be able to provide for the needs of the animals that we bring into our families.  With all of the information available on the internet, through humane organizations, at our local libraries/bookstores and through veterinary hospitals, there are plenty of resources to help us learn how to care for our pets.  It is also important that we include our entire family in this learning opportunity.  After all, it is the next generation that will continue what we have started.

The fourth step in prevention is to get involved with your lawmakers.  Let them know that you want to see stronger protection for animals under the law.  Contact your Connecticut state representatives and senators and urge them to vote for any pending pet friendly/pet protective legislation.  Work with your local politicians to initiate new ordinances within your own communities.

By working together, we CAN prevent animal cruelty!