Animal abuse is always a charged political topic, and many have the heart to look for ways to put an end to animal cruelty when they see it. Unfortunately, animals are considered personal property, which means you can’t break into the zoo and set them free. Every state does have laws protecting animals, and all but South Dakota contain felony provisions for animal abuse.
Spotting Animal Abuse
While most jurisdictions will accept an anonymous report of animal cruelty, the likelihood of a successful prosecution greatly increases with a witness who is willing to testify, according to the Humane Society. Abuse worth reporting includes:
- hoarding (keeping more animals than can be properly cared for)
- lack of veterinary care (untreated wounds, emaciation, scabs, hair loss or other signs of untreated diseases)
- inadequate shelter in extreme heat or cold
- chained dogs suffering from continuous tethering (social isolation, exposure to predators, elements)
- abandonment: animals left behind in a vacated home (as can happen when former residents move suddenly)
- violence (very important to report, since patterns of violence usually include harming people)
Reporting Animal Abuse
The Humane Society also has great advice for what to do when you are concerned about the care animals are receiving at your local animal shelter. If you make a report of alleged animal abuse, the responding agency is required to investigate. Dialing 911 will get help fast, but having the proper animal welfare agency’s number on hand is also useful. If your locale is not well-equipped to deal with animal abuse situations, you can also contact the Humane Society for help. Many animals can be saved from horrible conditions if you report the abuse. Although few cases make it to trial, your willingness to testify can help, despite your likely desire to remain anonymous. Be sure to document the abuse by taking pictures or at least keeping notes.
Helping Animals in Your Community
Animal care and control services are a typically the responsibility of the local government, since public health and safety and the quality of life in a community depend on these services. If no animal care and control agency covers your area, you should speak to your local officials about the need for adequate animal control services. Animals are legally considered personal property, which means you can’t use a theft-by-necessity defense when, say, you break into your local zoo to free captive animals or refuse to return an allegedly-abused animal to its owner. Lobbying to strengthen animal protection laws is the best way you can help ensure proper treatment of animals in your community.
