No one ever wants to see an animal being abused, but sadly, it happens. So what are you going to do if you see a case of animal abuse?
First of all, you have to report it. That’s not even negotiable. After all, if you saw a person being assaulted, you would report it, wouldn’t you? Why should it be any different if the victim is an animal?
It’s the Law
The law says that animals cannot and must not be abused. Every single state has laws prohibiting animal abuse, and the law is meant to be enforced.
You know, it wasn’t all that long ago that people didn’t report child abuse. Why? Because it was thought to be a family matter. We didn’t see it as the crime it was. Now we do. We would never think of not reporting child abuse, so why would we turn a blind eye to animal cruelty?
Do What Is Right – Report animal cruelty
That is the first step toward stopping animal abuse. One of the most common types of cruelty is neglect, and we have all seen it – the dog that is left in a cold doghouse in the winter months, or is left to go without water in the hot weather. Ask yourself, how would you feel if you were left out in the cold, or if you had no water to drink in the summer heat?
Now, remember that the law is only as good as the way it is enforced. Your neighbor’s dog cannot pick up the phone, call 911, and say, “I am being abused.” That’s why it is up to you. It is your job to speak for those who cannot speak for themselves.
Be Alert to the Signs
The first thing you need to do in order to prevent, correct and punish animal abuse is to be alert to the signs. Does an animal appear to have inadequate shelter? Is the animal deprived of food or water? Does the animal appear to be in bad condition, with mangy hair or untreated wounds? Is the animal constantly chained outside?
Worse, does the animal appear to have been abandoned? You might be surprised to know that thousands of animals die every year, simply because people consider them to be disposable, “for now” pets who can just be left behind when people move away.
Worse still is direct violence. You know what we mean – you see someone beating an animal. Please don’t turn away – do something.
What to Do
If you see an animal being treated violently, consider it an emergency and call the police immediately. If it’s a case of neglect, you can also call the police or the local animal shelter. Please NEVER do nothing though. And while you are waiting for the authorities to arrive, take notes. Document what you see.
Take It a Step Further
Having called the authorities, and documented the incident, don’t stop there. If you truly care about the animal, be willing to go to court and testify to what you have seen. This is no different from any other crime – eyewitnesses can be the key to a conviction.
The Final Word
Of course our community would never abuse an animal. But if you see animal abuse happening, and you do nothing, you are every bit as guilty as the abuser. So do something to stop it – call the police. Testify. And maybe even adopt an animal who has been abused, and give him or her a second chance at a good life.
It’s the right thing to do.
