Have you ever lived next door or near a home where you have seen a pet neglected and/or abused on more than one occasion? Unfortunately, many of us have. What goes through your mind when you see this? We tisk at the situation, keep walking, and maybe go home and tell our spouse or a friend what a shame it is. This does not help the animal in any way. This "pet" is going to continue to be neglected and/or abused. {C1}The fact is, you can DO something about it. You can call your local county animal control office and even remain annomymous! All you need to tell them is the situation and the address of the victim. How do you evaluate if an animal is in trouble? Look for these signs: Have you encountered the animal on more than one occasion without fresh water or shelter? Have you ever witnessed (or heard) this animal being physically abused? Does the animal have obvious health problems such as severe infestation of fleas, wounds, or skin conditions that are not being tended to? Do you believe that an animal(s) are being "fought" or trained to fight in a dog-fighting ring? Do you see the same animal roaming the neighborhood un-leashed and/or unsupervised? If so, report it! Don't be afraid of "causing a problem" for the owners! They will never know if they were discovered randomly by animal services or if and who called in to report it. Do the right thing. Be the voice for animals! The voice that they do not have.
~written by Heidi B. Chambers, A.H.O.T.
