SIGNS OF ANIMAL CRUELTY
Reporting Animal Cruelty
If you think someone is abusing animals, please speak up. Remember Silence = Suffering. Please report your suspicions of cruelty to your local law enforcement or animal control agency or humane organization.
Recognizing Animal Cruelty
It is not always possible to determine if an animal is being abused based on their behavior alone. Some dogs may be aggressive, timid or fearful, but that doesn’t always mean it is a victim of cruelty. It is best to examine the animal and the surrounding environment to determine whether or not the animal needs help.
Physical Signs of Cruelty
- Extremely skinny or emaciated; bones may be visible
- Weak or limping or unable to stand or walk normally
- Wounds, multiple healed wounds or ongoing injury or illness that isn’t being treated
- Heavy discharge from eyes or nose
- Untreated skin conditions, hair loss, scaly skin, bumps or rashes
- Infested with fleas, ticks or other parasites
- Extreme matting of fur, overgrown nails and dirty coat
- Tight collar that has caused a neck wound / embedded in the pet’s neck- – – Visible signs of confusion or extreme drowsiness
- An owner striking or otherwise physically abusing an animal
Environmental Signs of Cruelty
- Pets left tied up outside for long periods of time without adequate food or water, or with food or water that is unsanitary
- Pets left outside, in inclement weather, without access to adequate shelter
- Pets housed in an areas that are littered with garbage, broken glass, sharp metal, feces, other objects that could harm them
- Animals housed in kennels or cages that are too small for them to stand, turn around and/or make normal movements.
