Pets
Animal Abuse, Neglect Need Never Happen
By
May 19, 2008, 18:18

(NAPSI)-Every dog can have its day-with your help.

While a recent survey revealed that 88 percent of American pet owners considered their animals as family members, not all owners, however, have a place in their hearts and conscience for their innocent pets who only seek love and companionship.

What You Can Do

Experts offer these tips for anyone who sees or suspects animal mistreatment:

• Recognize Signs of Neglect

While physical abuse can be visually obvious, neglect can often go unnoticed. Signs of neglect include an underweight animal, an animal with visible, unattended injuries or an animal that is tied up and left outside with inadequate food, water or shelter.

• Know Whom to Contact

Compile a list of appropriate animal protection facility phone numbers, including law enforcement and humane officers.

• Report What You See or Know

If you witness animal abuse or neglect or even suspect abuse or neglect by someone, your best option may be to call in law enforcement.

Do not try to assess the situation yourself, as it can be dangerous.

• Be Informed and Involved

Stay aware and share your knowledge. Get involved. Sign pledges, write letters, circulate animal anti-cruelty e-mails, volunteer at shelters and support initiatives to strengthen anti-cruelty laws and penalties for abusers.

What Others Are Doing

The world’s largest no-kill animal shelter, North Shore Animal League America, recently responded to a rescue group’s plea for help for a severely neglected, two-year-old American Pit Bull Terrier mix.

Starved and suffering from a severe skin condition that caused her hair to fall out, this wonderful dog weighed only 24 pounds, far from her ideal weight of 50 to 60 pounds. Tender, timid and desperate for love, she was named “Angel” by her new-found protectors.

She was evaluated, medically treated and rehabilitated. Months later, nurtured back to physical and emotional health, Angel became a candidate for a “forever” home, where she would enjoy the love and protection all companion animals deserve.

Learn More

For more information about animal protection and how you can help North Shore Animal League America, visit www.animal-league.org or call (877) 4-SAVE-PET.

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