Animal Cruelty...What Is It And How To Help Prevent It? It Isn't Just About The Animals.

This topic is so hard for some people and if you are in the trenches helping abused and neglected animals who are part of cruelty cases then it is even harder.  Most people will say even if they do not like cats or dogs or animals in general they would never hurt one on purpose.  That is the norm.  Then there are people who have such disregard for life that they get enjoyment out of seeing another living creature hurt.  These people would also have no problem hurting another human do please do not fool yourself into thinking they wouldn't hurt you too.

The definition of animal cruelty is:  the crime of inflicting physical pain, suffering or death on an animal, usually a tame one, beyond necessity for normal discipline. It can include neglect that is so monstrous (withholding food and water) that the animal has suffered, died or been put in imminent danger of death.  (http://legal-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/Animal+cruelty)

Here is a link to find the animal cruelty laws in your US state:
http://www.aspca.org/Fight-Animal-Cruelty/Advocacy-Center/state-animal-cruelty-laws.aspx

Please do not use the word "cruelty" frivolously because it is very serious to accuse someone of this crime.  Cruelty does not include letting your cat be indoor/outdoor or having an outdoor dog despite what your opinion on this topic may be.   There also has to be proof so be sure if you are going to accuse someone you have absolute proof and a local animal law attorney can help you with figuring out what this entails.

http://www.aspca.org/fight-animal-cruelty/reporting-cruelty-faq.aspx

http://aldf.org/article.php?list=type&type=85

Here are some pictures of one type of act of cruelty from the folks at "Unchain Your Dog".  
http://www.unchainyourdog.org/FactsPhotos.htm

I won't post anymore pictures because I do not want people to receive pleasure out of viewing thing that evil from this blog.  Suffice it to say, the research that happens on cats, dogs, and the slaughtering of animals can be considered cruelty and if you really want to see the pictures you will have to research them yourself.  I warn you, though, it is extremely disturbing.

Please talk to your local law makers about this topic and try to get laws passed that will help stop this behavior.  There is absolutely no reason for this behavior to continue and no reason these animals should be treated like this.  At the very least start with unchaining dogs and fighting the people who continue to have dog fighting rings on a daily basis because these type of people aren't just fighting dogs, they are more than likely into other illegal activities as well.

http://aldf.org/article.php?id=927

This topic isn't just about animals, it's about saving our communities and keeping them and the sentient beings in them safe.  If we all start to think outside the box and work with law enforcement to put these criminals in prison and work to get harsher laws for these crimes then we can begin to feel safer about 1) having those indoor/outdoor cats, and 2) maybe allowing our children to play safely in local playgrounds and in our own backyards.

This is a hot topic so please keep any comments respectful, but we do welcome any comments as long as we all respect everyone's right to an opinion.  Don't forget to follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Flipbook.  As always, thank you so much for reading!

What Is Neglect? What Does A Neglected Animal Look Like? (pictures only available through link)

This is a very hard subject to discuss for some people for a variety of reasons.  Either they see the neglect every day, they care about animals so much they don't want to see it or they just didn't think it existed and don't want to admit that it does exist.  Whatever the reason, know that animal abuse and neglect does exist and it is in every neighborhood, in ever social circle, and in every race and ethnic background.

The definition of neglect is this:  animal neglect or abandonment is a common type of animal cruelty where people do not provide adequate care for animals in their charge. The neglected animal may be their own pet, a farm animal, or wildlife. A neglected animal is not provided with proper food, water, veterinary care, shelter and socialization. http://definitions.uslegal.com/a/animal-neglect/

This being said, note that the neglect is not limited to the lack of proper food and water; the definition also includes proper vet care, shelter and socialization.  In my state, the legal requirement for vaccines for any animal is rabies.  Distemper, bordetella, FIV/FeLV, deworming, etc. will be recommended by vets and most people in this area consider most of those things proper vet care to include heartworm prevention for dogs.

Socialization is also key because without proper human contact then the animals can become aggressive and a danger to humans.  If they get loose then they definitely will pose a threat and will be euthanized if they end up in a shelter because they are not able to be adopted.

Proper shelter is also important.  Some people feel putting up a dog house and chaining a dog to a pole is proper shelter.  "It's only a dog", but these animals end up having sores on their joints from having to lay on the ground, do not know love from a family, etc.  Having an outside dog with a pen and a large house they can get in out of the elements is one thing but chaining your dog to a pole and having a little house they might be able to fit into is something completely different.

Having outside cats is the same thing.  Although they are more resourceful, cats need shelter from the elements as well if they are outside cats.  Ideally they would be able to come inside and be indoor cats because they will ultimately live longer lives, but if that's not what you choose to do then give them a cool place in the summer and a warm place in the winter they can go.

http://www.spca.bc.ca/cruelty/what-is-animal-cruelty.html

According to the law, the following are the responsibilities of the pet owner:

Each owner shall provide for each of his animals:
(a) sufficient quantity of good quality, wholesome food and water;
(b) adequate shelter and protection from the weather;
(c) veterinary care when needed to prevent suffering; and
(d) humane care and treatment.

If you see these things not being done for an animal I would hope that the local authorities would be called so something could be done to help the animal and punish the offender.  Please help by keeping an eye out for the helpless and voiceless.  We are their voice.

As always, we welcome any comments, questions and topics you'd like to see discussed here.  Be sure to follow us on Twitter and Facebook and tell your family and friends about us.  Thanks for reading!