There are tens of thousands of abused and
neglected animals in the world. Nearly a third are hooved
animals. Sadder still, most die before help comes or the abuse
and neglect is discovered. Stronger laws are needed to prevent
cruelty to any animal, and to prosecute to the fullest extent of
the law anyone caught abusing them.
Many cases of neglect and abuse go unreported,
especially in areas that do not have a humane society; but mostly
because people are too busy looking the other way to get
involved. Sometimes, all it takes is one phone call to save an
animal from a life of pain and suffering. Witnessing the abuse or
neglect of an animal is a heartbreaking experience. How easy it
is to just drive or walk away believing someone else will
intervene. What we're doing is allowing the abuse or neglect
to continue and we're condemning the animal to
death.
Here's a list of steps you can
follow should you witness abuse or neglect of an animal.
APPROACH THE OWNER
If the animal's owner is at all approachable,
speak with them first. Rule out any possibility that the animal
is actually at a facility rehabilitating from someone else's
abuse and/or neglect. And it's also quite possible, and very
true today, that the pet owner is not aware of the animals needs.
This is especially true of first time pet owners who purchase
hard-to-keep animals or ones with special medical conditions they
were not made aware of at the time of the purchase. If the owner
appears hostile or threatening, walk away.
COLLECT EVIDENCE
To establish credibility about any abuse case,
document what you observe. Take still photos or videos from a
public area close to the property where the abuse is taking
place, whether it be a public highway or a sympathetic neighbors
yard. Never trespass onto another's property without
permission. It is important to note that in some jurisdictions,
photos taken while on the owners property may be inadmissible as
evidence should the case go to court. If possible, video tape
your exact location to eliminate any doubt of trespassing while
filming. Be sure to photograph all possible angles of the animals
and property, showing there is food available, water (if
available, is it clean?), condition of fences, any junk in the
area where the animals are kept. Get pictures of scars, open
sores, body condition etc. Narrate if you are video taping. It
would be a good idea to have the date and time on the tape as
well. Avoid the use of digital cameras when documenting abuse or
neglect cases. If taken to court, it could be argued that digital
photos were altered and enhanced .This could create a roadblock
and harm your credibility if the question arises. If you are
lucky enough to have the cooperation of an expert witness, such
as a vet or other professional, ask them to accompany you and
document their findings. Often times, these people do not want to
get involved, so choose them wisely.
CONTACT THE PROPER
AUTHORITIES
Get in touch with your local Humane Society or
Department of Agriculture. If there are none in your area, then
the local sheriff's office is the next logical step. Letting
them view your photos and video tapes of the neglect and/or abuse
case will help eliminate any thought of a hoax or false report.
Some false abuse complaints are made in retaliation. Angry
relatives or feuding neighbors for instance. Your evidence should
support your complaint.
GET THE PRESS INVOLVED
If all attempts to get help for the animal falls
on deaf ears, then, at this point, consider getting your local
press involved in the case. Receiving unwanted attention and
publicity for public officials that failed to take an interest in
something as heart breaking as animal abuse, will sometimes get
the ball rolling in the right direction. Be persistent and
diligent, but don't brand yourself a trouble maker or your
efforts to save the animal will be less effective.
First last and always, just get involved.You may be
that animal's only hope. Please don't let it
down.
