The Dog Bowl Pet Supply and BARF Raw Food Blog

If you think animal cruelty is someone else’s problem, think again. And if you think being a responsible pet owner to your dog or cat is important, you’re so right. What’s also important, however, is fighting animal cruelty when others commit heinous acts including negligence and being aware of your surroundings so you can help speak up for animals which otherwise have no voice.

The first step in combating animal cruelty is being aware. For instance if you notice a neighbor horribly beating his or her pet, it’s time to call the ASPCA or even the local police. If you witness animal abuse and don’t report it, essentially you’re contributing to the problem.

Just because you may not witness an act of animal abuse doesn’t mean it’s not happening. You may notice the following symptoms such as extremely thin, starving animals; limping; patches of missing hair; dogs who are repeatedly left alone without food and water; dogs who are outside in extreme weather conditions; animals who express fear or act aggressively when their owner approaches them.

Since every state has different animal cruelty regulations as it relates to investigating and arresting perpetrators, you may need to simply report the problem to the police and let them handle it. The more information you provide, the better. Put on a reporter’s hat and write down the where, when, who, and what. Document the type of animal cruelty that you observed, who was involved, where it occurred, and when.

Another way to get involved to fight animal cruelty is to explain to children in your home to look out for warning signs in neighbor’s dogs and cats. Another way to help diminish animal abuse is by setting good examples to your children (if applicable) as well as friends and neighbors. Provide your pet with the food, shelter, and water it needs, along with love and affection.
To take it one step further with stopping animal cruelty and abuse, adamant owners who cherish pets which aren’t even their own have fought to pass stronger anti-cruelty laws. After all, stronger laws equate to more stringent penalties for perpetrators.

At The Dog Bowl, nothing is more important than your pets’ health and well being. For more information about fighting animal cruelty ask your local veterinarian or rescue organization.

Labels: Behavior and Training, Dog Nutrition, Energy and Environment