Pets are joyful creatures that bring joy and light into our lives. They help us in many ways and are therapeutic on many levels. It is beyond tragic to see these loving animals being ill-treated. Here are five signs of animal abuse, cruelty, or neglect that you should be on the look-out for.
- Poor Physique And Noticeable Trauma
- The animal has open wounds, a filthy coat, and severe matting.
- The animal is tick or flea infested.
- The animal is underweight (bones are clearly visible.)
- The animal is limping or has difficulty walking.
- The animal has congested or cloudy eyes or ears.
- Lack Of Food, Water, Shelter, Sanitation And Proper Care
- The animal has no sources of food or water made available to him.
- The animal may be overly aggressive due to thirst and starvation.
- The animal is always kept in an area that is directly exposed to sunlight or other harsh weather conditions.
- The animal’s living space is covered in feces or debris.
- The animal is tied up or caged.
- The animal is chained. A chained animal is an abused animal.
- Collar is too tight.
- Evidence Of Being Used To Fight
Especially common with roosters and pit bull terriers. You may see training equipment like spring poles, treadmills etc. You may also see missing body parts such as ears or partial tails.Noticeable signs of trauma like open wounds and infected sores.
- Abnormal Behavior
The animal is really aggressive or severely shy. (Signs of this include cowering, hiding, fear-biting etc.)
- Too Many Animals Living On The Same Property
Sign of animal hoarding. The animals may not be living in optimal conditions. May be starved, crammed or abused.These are just a few signs to look for. There are also obvious signs like if the owner strikes or physically abuses the pet overtly. It is your moral responsibility as a human being to report violence against animals to the local law enforcement. By doing nothing, you are neglecting the needs of these poor animals in crisis. Here are a few steps you can take to help an abused animal:
- Be Prepared
Most municipalities have authorities that deal with animal cruelty. Do your research so that you’ll know which number to dial to report abuse.
- Call 911
If you’re uncomfortable intervening directly in a situation or are afraid of the direct consequences it may cause, call 911 and place an anonymous report. Reporting abuse anonymously is better than doing nothing. So speak up!
- Document The Details
Once you’ve called responsible authorities for dealing with animal cruelty in your area, provide as many details as possible. Documentation of any sort including photographic or video can be helpful in providing a strong case.
- Testify When Necessary
Although you can remain anonymous, the case will be infinitesimally stronger if you are willing to testify. A human witness is a crucial aspect of building any case.