C.A.R.E.™
Your Subtitle text
Report Animal Cruelty !!!
Awareness is the key !!!
Many web sites, including this one, will show animals so that people become knowledgeable about certain scenarios in which they are forced to suffer. I feel that it is very important to create awareness to issues of cruelty in order to help prevent them, but I also want to include HOW to prevent this ever growing problem.
A lot of people are in the dark when it comes to the question of "what can I do to help?". Hopefully the harsh reality of this awful truth and answers to some common questions will assist you in answering that dilemma. The bottom line is simply, if this page serves to save ONE animal, then it was worth the effort to display it.
Cruelty to animals generally falls into two categories: direct violence and neglect.
Direct Violence: The types of direct violence that animals suffer every day at the hands of people include being beaten, mutilated, shot, set on fire or otherwise tortured. The intentional suffering inflicted on these animals can result in severe injury or death.
Neglect: Other animals suffer and die from neglect when they are denied proper food, water or shelter, causing them to slowly starve to death or die from exposure to freezing cold or sweltering hot temperatures. Hoarding animals can also cause suffering on a large scale.
Being a Dog Behaviorist I see a lot of unusual cases and one of the most prevelant questions I hear is in regards to dog fighting. People are needing to know about this and act against it because it is a growing issue in the canine world.
Many people look at breed to being responsible for the violence associated with aggression, but in reality it is "US" that are responsible for the behavior of these animals. In some cases these dogs don't even want to fight but are forced to anyway.
Dog fighting is illegal in all 50 States with heavy fines and jail time as a consequence. Even though the consequences are enforced, many arena's are still hosting this awful display of violence for human entertainment and gambling.
The image to the right is the bloody out come of such a fight. This picture was supplied by the Prentiss County Sheriffs Dept. after arresting 27 people on felony dog fighting charges in a small town in Mississippi.
Scenes like this are probably in your area as well and you can help by utilizing the Humane Society's First Strike® program.
If you feel that you know of anyone mistreating animals in any way please call your local humane society, animal control or shelter.
Take the time to read the frequently asked questions in order to better understand the reporting process and help our animals.
Visit the Humane Society of the United States
What should I do if I witness an animal being mistreated?
If you witness animal abuse or neglect, please contact your local humane society, animal shelter, or animal control agency immediately. In most areas, those agencies have the authority to enforce state and local laws related to animals and the capability to investigate and resolve these situations. They rely on concerned citizens to be their eyes and ears in the community and to report animal suffering. You can choose to remain anonymous, although giving your name to your humane agency will enable that group to follow up with you when necessary.
These dedicated agencies have the important job of ensuring that animals in their jurisdiction receive proper food, water, and shelter, and are protected from abandonment and cruel treatment. The prevention of cruelty to animals represents the core mission of many local animal care organizations. Investigation requests can come from members of the community or other law enforcement agencies.
How are complaints investigated?
While the exact process may vary depending on the local laws and procedures, an officer will look into the complaint to see if animal cruelty statutes have been violated. If in fact a violation has occurred, the officer may speak with the owner and issue a citation and give the owner a chance to correct the violation.
The majority of cruelty complaints stem from simple neglect of the animal, rather than deliberate abuse. The humane officer's biggest role is as an educator—informing well-meaning, but unknowledgeable, pet owners of the proper care of their pets.
In rare cases, animal neglect or abuse may be extreme and require immediate intervention. Depending on the circumstances, the animals may be removed from the situation by the humane agency to protect them from further harm. The agency will present the case to the prosecutor's office for further evaluation and possible prosecution. Some agencies have the power to obtain and serve warrants; other agencies work closely with local police who execute the search warrant on their behalf.
What happens to the pet owner and the animals in these cases?
State and local laws are written to protect the individuals being prosecuted as well as the animals involved. Such laws also determine how long the animals must be housed at the animal shelter while a case is being processed by the court system. Caring for animals seized in a cruelty case can be an expensive and time-consuming effort. When animals must be housed at the shelter for long periods of time while a case is being processed, it can create stress for both the animals and the staff.
With the best interests of the animals in mind, many states have established civil procedures to allow the agency to petition the general district court in the city or county where the animals were seized for a hearing to expedite custody of the animals to the agency. This type of process prevents a long stay at the shelter for the animals involved while waiting for resolution to the trial, and allows them to be adopted to new, safe homes or humanely euthanized if they are suffering or unsuitable for adoption.
Acknowledgements
Special thanks for information and pictures to:
Humane Society of the United States
Prentiss County Sheriff's Dept
Official Pit Bull Informational Site of Diane Jessup
Amanda Fouraker of Chance Found
A lot of people are in the dark when it comes to the question of "what can I do to help?". Hopefully the harsh reality of this awful truth and answers to some common questions will assist you in answering that dilemma. The bottom line is simply, if this page serves to save ONE animal, then it was worth the effort to display it.
**You may find some of these pictures disturbing - Viewer discretion is advised**
Cruelty to animals generally falls into two categories: direct violence and neglect.Direct Violence: The types of direct violence that animals suffer every day at the hands of people include being beaten, mutilated, shot, set on fire or otherwise tortured. The intentional suffering inflicted on these animals can result in severe injury or death.
Neglect: Other animals suffer and die from neglect when they are denied proper food, water or shelter, causing them to slowly starve to death or die from exposure to freezing cold or sweltering hot temperatures. Hoarding animals can also cause suffering on a large scale.
Being a Dog Behaviorist I see a lot of unusual cases and one of the most prevelant questions I hear is in regards to dog fighting. People are needing to know about this and act against it because it is a growing issue in the canine world.
Many people look at breed to being responsible for the violence associated with aggression, but in reality it is "US" that are responsible for the behavior of these animals. In some cases these dogs don't even want to fight but are forced to anyway.Dog fighting is illegal in all 50 States with heavy fines and jail time as a consequence. Even though the consequences are enforced, many arena's are still hosting this awful display of violence for human entertainment and gambling.
The image to the right is the bloody out come of such a fight. This picture was supplied by the Prentiss County Sheriffs Dept. after arresting 27 people on felony dog fighting charges in a small town in Mississippi.
Scenes like this are probably in your area as well and you can help by utilizing the Humane Society's First Strike® program.
If you feel that you know of anyone mistreating animals in any way please call your local humane society, animal control or shelter.
Take the time to read the frequently asked questions in order to better understand the reporting process and help our animals.
Visit the Humane Society of the United States
What should I do if I witness an animal being mistreated?
If you witness animal abuse or neglect, please contact your local humane society, animal shelter, or animal control agency immediately. In most areas, those agencies have the authority to enforce state and local laws related to animals and the capability to investigate and resolve these situations. They rely on concerned citizens to be their eyes and ears in the community and to report animal suffering. You can choose to remain anonymous, although giving your name to your humane agency will enable that group to follow up with you when necessary.These dedicated agencies have the important job of ensuring that animals in their jurisdiction receive proper food, water, and shelter, and are protected from abandonment and cruel treatment. The prevention of cruelty to animals represents the core mission of many local animal care organizations. Investigation requests can come from members of the community or other law enforcement agencies.
How are complaints investigated?
While the exact process may vary depending on the local laws and procedures, an officer will look into the complaint to see if animal cruelty statutes have been violated. If in fact a violation has occurred, the officer may speak with the owner and issue a citation and give the owner a chance to correct the violation.
The majority of cruelty complaints stem from simple neglect of the animal, rather than deliberate abuse. The humane officer's biggest role is as an educator—informing well-meaning, but unknowledgeable, pet owners of the proper care of their pets.In rare cases, animal neglect or abuse may be extreme and require immediate intervention. Depending on the circumstances, the animals may be removed from the situation by the humane agency to protect them from further harm. The agency will present the case to the prosecutor's office for further evaluation and possible prosecution. Some agencies have the power to obtain and serve warrants; other agencies work closely with local police who execute the search warrant on their behalf.
What happens to the pet owner and the animals in these cases?
State and local laws are written to protect the individuals being prosecuted as well as the animals involved. Such laws also determine how long the animals must be housed at the animal shelter while a case is being processed by the court system. Caring for animals seized in a cruelty case can be an expensive and time-consuming effort. When animals must be housed at the shelter for long periods of time while a case is being processed, it can create stress for both the animals and the staff.With the best interests of the animals in mind, many states have established civil procedures to allow the agency to petition the general district court in the city or county where the animals were seized for a hearing to expedite custody of the animals to the agency. This type of process prevents a long stay at the shelter for the animals involved while waiting for resolution to the trial, and allows them to be adopted to new, safe homes or humanely euthanized if they are suffering or unsuitable for adoption.
What role does The HSUS play in local animal abuse and neglect cases?
The Humane Society of the United States does not have animal control capabilities; that is a function of local animal control programs. The HSUS is neither legally nor contractually affiliated with—nor is a parent organization for—local humane societies, animal shelters, or animal care and control agencies. (The HSUS and its partner, The Fund for Animals, do provide sanctuary and direct care to thousands of animals.)
The HSUS does, however, provide assistance and resources to animal shelters and animal control professionals around the country. We serve as a resource for local animal protection organizations by providing them with educational materials, training opportunities, recommended operations guidelines, and other expertise. And, of course, we conduct large-scale, national investigations covering a host of animal issues.
If you would like more information on animal abuse and what you can do to strengthen animal cruelty laws in your state, please contact us at 2100 L Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20037-1598; 202-452-1100 or check out The HSUS's First Strike campaign.
The HSUS does, however, provide assistance and resources to animal shelters and animal control professionals around the country. We serve as a resource for local animal protection organizations by providing them with educational materials, training opportunities, recommended operations guidelines, and other expertise. And, of course, we conduct large-scale, national investigations covering a host of animal issues.
If you would like more information on animal abuse and what you can do to strengthen animal cruelty laws in your state, please contact us at 2100 L Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20037-1598; 202-452-1100 or check out The HSUS's First Strike campaign.
Acknowledgements
Special thanks for information and pictures to:
Humane Society of the United States
Prentiss County Sheriff's Dept
Official Pit Bull Informational Site of Diane Jessup
Amanda Fouraker of Chance Found
This site is dedicated to Dylan, a true 'best friend'