At ParadoxLabs, we love our pets and, as part of our #BetterCommunities Initiative for April, we are giving a voice to our furry friends everywhere and showing you what you can do to reduce the incidences of neglect and cruelty to these precious little creatures!
According to the definition found in Black’s Law Dictionary, the Pennsylvania SPCA defines cruelty to animals as:
The infliction of physical pain, suffering, or death upon an animal, when not necessary for purposes of training or discipline or (in the case of death) to procure food or to release the animal from incurable suffering, but done wantonly, for mere sport, for the indulgence of a cruel and vindictive temper, or with reckless indifference to its pain.
According to statistics found on the Pennsylvania SPCA’s Humane Law Enforcement web page, “In 2013, our team investigated 11,135 reports of cruelty or neglect and achieved 131 convictions against abusive and neglectful pet-owners.”
Just a quick look at that number of animals for one year, in one state, is heartbreaking.
In an interview with Dr. Bob at the Columbia Animal Hospital, he said that, on a daily basis, animals are abused and neglected, and many people simply turn away because it is too unbearable to see or they fear it could cause a conflict they are not equipped to handle. Below are some examples of stories he has heard from people who have brought abused animals to him:
- A dog continually barking in a backyard because he has been chained to a pole all day with no food or water
- An animal being struck for having an accident or chewing on a shoe
- An animal being locked in a cold dark basement with no companionship
- An animal is left in a house or yard that has been abandoned
- An animal continually exposed to inclement weather or constant sun.
- An animal left in unsanitary conditions
Dr. Bob told us that these acts often break an animal’s spirit and often result in the death of an animal. He then mentioned the ASPCA commercials set to sobering music as unfed, dirty, beaten, and neglected animals appear before our eyes. Dr. Bob said that “we watch and we feel helpless as these poor creatures are left to suffer in silence with no hope of love.” However, he says that it does not need to be that way - you can change things today by taking the following actions:
- If you witness abuse to an animal, pick up your phone and report it immediately.
- Donate your time, items and/or money to your local animal shelter. Shelters are in need year round of food, treats, blankets, beds, kitty litter, and toys.
- Adopt a pet from a shelter and recommend to friends and family as well.
- Educate yourself in proper pet care
- If you are a pet owner, be responsible for your pet. Keep the pet healthy and clean and be sure all vaccines remain current. Provide your animal with proper identification in the event the animal is lost and visit a vet on a regular basis
Dr. Bob said he is a fan of the Furry Friends Network, based in Pennsylvania, because of their approach to rescue, education, and the way in which they treat animals. According to their website, Furry Friends is completely handled by volunteers and their philosophy states that they, “help those animals that did not ask to be born, that are often the result of human ignorance. Any animal, no matter its age, can offer love and companionship to the right person.”
For us, we are fans because Furry Friends does not use a shelter; instead, they use foster homes for the animals they rescue. They also sponsor several no-kill shelters throughout the area. This allows the animals to have the love and attention they need most to begin the process of recovery.
Dr. Bob encourages all to be educated on what abuse towards animals looks like and urges us to not be bystanders to such neglect and cruelty. He even suggested considering being a foster home to animals looking for a second chance. He reminded us that “no one ever regrets doing the right thing.”
Over the next few weeks, we will be featuring organizations that work to prevent abuse towards animals and provide links with ways in which you can make a difference today!