Living with Pets -- Reducing Animal Abuse

Once you have your own pet, it seems natural to take an interest in other people's animals. This heightened awareness makes it impossible to overlook the mistreated animals you see in all walks of life. But you need not stand idly by. Without taking on the world's troubles, you can encourage more responsible pet ownership in your circle of friends and acquaintances and report to the proper authorities any incidents that are too hot for a single concerned citizen to handle.

For Pets in General

Is It Abuse or a Difference of Opinion?

Before you rush in where angels fear to tread, consider whether an animal that you feel is being mistreated is actually being abused. Some pet owners may not share your high standards for pet care -- buying store-brand dog food, for example, is not abusive, nor is leaving a dog in a fenced-in area outside (except in extreme weather). It's okay to share your opinion with a fellow pet owner ("You know, I could never bring myself to leave our puppy alone at home during the day"), but save your heartfelt arguments and energy for obvious incidents of abuse and neglect. They include beating, tormenting, and failing to provide food, water, and shelter.

Know the Animal's Rights

If you feel that an animal is being abused and you're not confident that you can correct the situation with a few words to the owner, find out the laws in your area. You need to know what type of abuse local authorities will act on and how to report it. Start your phoning with city or county government agencies responsible for animal control. (They're usually listed in the white pages of the phone book along with other city or county agencies. Alternatively, you can get the appropriate agency's number by calling directory assistance or your local library's reference desk.) When you contact the government animal control entities, ask about applicable leash laws in your area. Also find out which offenses are punishable by citation, which ones merit an animal's removal from its owner, and what a concerned citizen can do to get the ball rolling.

Alternatively, call a local animal shelter for the same information.

©1999 by Rodale Press, Inc.