Animal Abuse and Neglect

If you see it, hear it, smell it and just overall have that gut feeling report it.

Report to proper authorities. Local animal control, humane society, police, etc.

Document everything. Time, place, what occurred, reacurrent instances, etc.

Avoid taking individual action. Things could go awry and get dangerous very quickly.

No flash mobs. If you do not know the situation in its entirety dont excite the neighborhood into condemning that person.

Have witnesses. Have written statements. Avoid verbal which can always be turned around into hearsay.

Be prepared to be interviewed and possibly go to court to testify as a witness.

Educate people about what animal abuse and neglect it.

Never be afraid to do what is right.

Have you experienced domestic violence abuse? Your pets can be in danger as well!





So recently there was a viral YouTube video of a man huddled over his dying pit-bull that apparently got poisoned with antidepressant drugs by the man's ex-girlfriend. Unfortunately the dog passed away in from what looks to be a agonizing death, seizures and the like. Why no immediate emergency veterinarian care? Supposedly the drugs acted to quickly and nothing really could be done to save the dog. Good news in this sad situation? The ex-girlfriend was caught and charged with animal cruelty.

The really sad part is this kind of thing happens everyday. People take it out on the pets to hurt the other person. It is cruel and selfish. The kind of people who do this want to be in control. They think hurting or threatening someone or something that the other person cares about will keep that person under their submission. FYI domestic violence can be against man, woman, child or animal. No men are not always the culprit women can be just as abusive if not more so.

If you or you know someone in this sort of situation get help. Do not be afraid. Call the police, call a hotline, go to a shelter, go to a church, go to a friend, go to a complete stranger. Do whatever it takes to get yourself out of that kind of situation. You owe it to yourself and your loved ones human or critter. Do not let someone try to control your life. You are the only one who should have a say about who you are, what you are, what you do and what and who you love and want to be in your life.

There is always help all you have to do is seek it.

Report Animal Abuse

Just Say No To Chained Dogs

Dog Rescued After 10 Years Chained Outside In The Mud

http://www.lifewithdogs.tv/2014/01/dog-rescued-after-10-years-chained-outside-in-mud/

Please if you see a chained dog(s) living in deplorable conditions, being abused or neglected  report it.

If your report is ignored or nothing is done continue to report till something is done. Call the authorities or call a rescue organization daily. Tell other friends and neighbors to report. Do not give up. Take pictures, take video, voice record do whatever you can to provide proof of abuse and neglect in your report.

SHARE.

The Five Freedoms For Pets

The Five Freedoms

1. Freedom from hunger, malnutrition and thirst.

2. Freedom from pain, injury and disease.

3. Freedom  from discomfort.

4. Freedom from fear and distress.

5. Freedom to express normal behavior.

Pets and ALL animals owned and looked after by humans deserve ALL of these five freedoms.

Spread the Word

     

Why Do People Abuse Animals?

Unintentional

Most people who abuse animals don't do it on purpose. They hurt animals because they don't think about or realize what they are doing.

• Many of these people don't know that what they are doing is cruel. For example, some may keep a dog in their yard with a doghouse that is on the ground and gets flooded with water when it rains, or they keep their dog on a short chain all of the time without realizing that the dog needs better shelter.
• Some people will try to keep their pet under control by using cruel types of discipline. They may think that punishment and intimidation are the best ways to solve a problem, when in fact they aren't.
• Other people are cruel because they don't pay attention. For example, someone might forget to give their cat water for a few days or leave their dog in a car on a hot day with the windows rolled up.
• Some people hurt animals even though they think they're helping them by taking in more pets than they can handle. These people are called hoarders.  The motivation comes from a good place, but unfortunately, the animals end up living in a place that's cramped, dirty and unhealthy.

Nearly all of these people can learn to understand that they are being cruel through education and increasing their awareness of the needs of their animal. Since most of the people who abuse animals make up this group, this means that most of the people who abuse animals can be helped with basic education.

Intentional

The next biggest group of animal abusers does it on purpose, but only for a short period of time. For example, a group of kids may decide to throw rocks at a nest of baby birds they happened to see, or they may hurt a stray cat in their neighborhood.

• These people are usually young, and they hurt animals because they aren't thinking, or because they can't stand up to their friends and peer pressure.
• The ones who are aren't really thinking might be mad at someone else and kick their pet out of frustration. Or they may think it's fun to watch an animal run away scared, without really thinking about how the animal feels.
• The ones who are giving in to peer-pressure might be trying to show off to their friends. Or they may be with a group of friends who are all trying to impress each other, and so they go along with what everyone else is doing.

Intentionally hurting animals for any reason is serious. In most states, those caught doing this will face harsher punishment than those who hurt animals unintentionally. However, these people usually don't hurt animals more than a few times. They learn to think about how others feel, and they learn to stand up for themselves. This group can be helped through education and support, too.

Cruel Intention

This last group of people who hurt animals is the worst. These are people who intentionally hurt animals because they enjoy hurting others or because it makes them feel powerful.

• A lot of these people want to have control over others. They will hurt an animal because they think this means they control the animal. Or they may hurt the animal to control another person. For example, a husband might hurt the family's pet to show his wife what he could do to her too. Someone else might make his dog kill other dogs because he thinks that makes him powerful.
• Others simply enjoy pain and violence. Those who enjoy violence might also destroy inanimate objects as well as hurt animals and people.
• All of the people in this last group suffer from serious, psychological problems that will probably not go away on their own. They often need the help of licensed professionals—like a psychologist.  Without help, the psychological problems these people have can haunt them for their whole lives.

Sources:

ASPCA

Resources and Links

Information On Animal Cruelty
http://www.dosomething.org/tipsandtools/info-animal-cruelty

Report Animal Cruelty FAQ
http://www.aspca.org/fight-cruelty/report-animal-cruelty/report-animal-cruelty-faq

Top Ten Ways To Prevent Animal Cruelty

http://www.aspca.org/fight-cruelty/report-animal-cruelty/top-10-ways-to-prevent-animal-cruelty

Domestic Violence and Animal Cruelty

http://www.aspca.org/fight-cruelty/report-animal-cruelty/domestic-violence-and-animal-cruelty

Nine Reasons For Animal Abuse

http://risingphoenixcharitablefoundation.com/why-this-is-important/nine-reasons-for-animal-abuse/

No one has a right or any reason to abuse an animal period!

Always report animal abuse. Animals need a voice since they cannot speak for themselves.

FYI: Google animal abuse or animal cruelty......all those images....will make your heart break =(
If you can't even feel a bit of sorrow for all those sad faces of abused and neglected  than maybe there really is no hope for humanity. Animal abuse is no joke.....there is no logical reason behind it....it is wrong.

Think Before You Act

Speak Up For Those Who Have No Voice.

Puppy Doe: A Craigslist Victim

The cruel fate of a craigslist dog =(

Read and Please Share!

http://www.lifewithdogs.tv/2014/01/documentary-to-be-made-about-puppy-doe/

http://puppydoefilm.com/

http://www.wcvb.com/news/local/boston-south/quincy-police-say-they-have-break-in-puppy-doe-case/-/9848842/22666492/-/14qi6cyz/-/index.html

http://www1.whdh.com/news/articles/local/south/10012062686028/new-details-emerge-in-puppy-doe-case/

http://www.lifewithdogs.tv/2013/10/puppy-does-abuser-faces-55-years-in-prison-held-on-500000-bail/

Sign the Petition! More Signatures Needed Immensely! Share!
https://www.change.org/petitions/justice-for-puppy-doe-tell-craigslist-to-help-stop-violence-against-pets?utm_source=action_alert&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=37964&alert_id=gBGrfBFPTR_UEzwUdNmvM



Anymore in my opinion....Craigslist should just get rid of their pet classified all together.....it sickens me to keep hearing about and seeing stories like this....not to mention the backyard breeders and puppy mills that have over-run the website completely~

Stop the Animal Abuse! Enough is Enough!

Warnings Are Not Enough~

Make A New Year's Resolution To Help Homeless Pets

Here is a list of resolutions for helping homeless pets for the New Year and onward:

Adopt a shelter pet or two this year. Don't shop, Adopt.

Foster a shelter pet.

Volunteer more or start volunteering as your local animal shelter/rescue.

Make a monthly donation to your local animal shelter rescue. Donate pet food, pet crates, blankets, pet toys and even money. Anything to make a shelter pet's life better and supporting a animal shelter that cares =)

Take your pet to obedience classes if they have behavior problems or just teach your pup some doggy etiquette. Less likely your dog will end up in the shelter for improper training.

Have a monthly fundraiser for your local animal shelter/rescue.

Start shopping at companies that donate part of their proceeds to animal shelters/rescues/charities.

Be prepared for emergencies such as natural disasters and the such, that includes the safety and well-being of your pet.

Spay and neuter your pets.

Stop animal abuse. If you see, it report it. Animals can't speak up for themselves so please be their voice.

Purchase only products not tested on animals or labeled cruelty-free.

Train your pet to be a therapy animal.

Join an activist group and be a advocate for animals.

Learn something new. Take a course in pet behavior, obedience classes, first aid etc.

Be a better pet owner overall =)

Top Ten 2014 Resolutions For Dog Owners
http://www.lifewithdogs.tv/2013/12/2014-resolutions-for-dog-owners/

30 Simple Ways You Can Help At-Risk  Animals In You Community
http://bestfriends.org/News-And-Features/News/Saving-Them-All-is-as-easy-as-1,-2,-30/?utm_source=facebook.com&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=news

Wishing Everyone a Happy New Year! Keep on Truckin'!

How to Feed You Pet Properly

If you feed your pet any premium pet food dry or canned for the most part go with the directions on the back of the packaging by how much your dog weighs at ideal body condition.

 Please never free feed your pet! This is not a good idea. Such a feeding practice can lead to a overweight pet or a pet with potty problems.

If you feed your pet a raw food diet please consult your veterinarian about the nutrient needs for your pets. Don't just throw your dog/cat a raw meaty bone and say your feeding him/her a raw diet. A raw diet is a science and you must mix specific nutrients carefully and methodically to make sure your pet is getting what it needs nutritionally.  Example, cats needs a certain nutrient called taurine in their food otherwise they could go blind or even die without this important nutrient in their diet.

Never feed dogs table scraps this induces begging and food grabbing. 

If you suspect your pet is overweight contact your veterinarian first before putting your pet on a diet and throwing him/her into a whirlwind of exercise.

If you suspect your pet is to thin, not gaining weight or seems hungry all the time once again contact your veterinarian to make sure there is nothing medically wrong with your pet and follow directions given by veterinarian 

Use pet treats for training aids only! Randomly giving treats throughout the day will make your pet fat. Treats are meant to be worked for not to be given out of love. Sorry but if you associate love for your pet by feeding him/her so much that they can barely walk cause they are so obese from over-eating I suggest you rethink your thoughts on what love is cause frankly I find that as animal abuse otherwise.

Watch what your pet eats and monitor his/her body condition. Make changes as needed with your veterinarian's approval and you will have a happy, healthy pet ^_^

Craigslist Pets: Get Lucky on Craigslist

I have a love, hate relationship with the craigslist pet section. I love it because this is how I found my little Milo =) I met the military wife/mother in a public park. She was very nice and told us why she couldn't keep him due to a move overseas. I kept her number to give her updates and she was sweet enough to mail me Milo's (Rex at that point and time) veterinary paperwork with proof of shots, microchip and neuter plus all the tags that came with it. This woman genuinely care about this puppy and I thank her for letting me give Milo a home. I did pay a fee nothing outrageous....$100...which frankly all his health paper work included I'm not complaining I'm lucky to have little Milo.

However unfortunately not all people on craigslist are has sweet and honest has this nice lady. A lot of people on craigslist simply want to make a profit by selling mutt dogs with no shots, under 8 weeks of age, not fixed, no veterinary care whatsoever other then maybe some dewormer for $300 or more. This is nuts!

I have heard horror stories of people buying puppies and then dying days later due to parvo or some other untreated illness. This is not right. These sort of people selling sick puppies do it to make money and could care less about the well-being of the dog or feelings of the person who has to go through the heart ache of seeing a dying puppy.
Then there is the dreaded "puppy flipper". These inconsiderate, low-lifes pick up puppies for cheap and then try to flip them for a profit. It's all about money and once again these people don't care about the well-being of the dog.

If your going to re-home your pet make sure they are up-to-date on shots and are fixed. Ask for a small re-homing fee of $150 or less. Never give your pet away for free!  There are some sick people out there who pick up free animals and just abuse them or use them as bait for dog fighting. Abide by craigslist rules about re-homing your pet otherwise you will get flagged continuously and relentlessly.

All in all craigslist is a iffy place to re-home your pet. Your better off going through a no-kill shelter or even a Facebook group made specifically for re-homing pets. If your going to buy a pet off craigslist do your research. If the person cannot provide veterinary paperwork then you are better off not buying from that person. Don't support these backyard breeders and puppy flippers! Please be careful and good luck  on your pet search.

If you can always try a registered non-profit animal shelter/rescue first. There are so many great shelter animals desperately in need of homes!

Responsible and Courteous Dog Owner Behavior

1. Clean up after your dog if he poo's in a public place. Yes even at the dog park! That is why they provide poop baggies otherwise bring your own for the sake of the people who like walking in the grass without stepping in yucky dog doo 0_o

2. Don't let your dog jump on strangers. It's dangerous for the elderly and children getting knocked over.

3. Pay attention to your dog at the dog park. If your pup is misbehaving or being overly aggressive in any way remove your dog immediately. Safer for you, your dog and everyone else around.  Nobody likes a dog fight =(

4. Don't let your dog bark constantly especially late at night -_- In which case usually this happens if a dog is left outside for hours on end without getting any attention or just maybe you have a talkative dog. Either way be courteous and respect your neighbors. Train your dog not to bark or bring your pet inside please. There is no excuse for a noisy, obnoxious pet!

5. Never hit your dog in the face or body period. This will just create a fearful dog and it is also animal abuse. If you must scold your dog do it in a fashion where your dog actually understands. If he has a accident in the house take him outside immediately. If you don't want your dog to get into something put it up or doggy proof it.  Use the word "No!" in a firm voice. Please don't yell at your dog he won't understand why your being loud.

6. Don't let your dog run lose in public areas excluding dog parks. A lose dog is a accident waiting to happen. Not to mention there are leash laws and you can get ticketed.

7. If your dog is sick take him/her to the veterinarian. No one likes seeing a animal suffer. If you can't afford it you should not have a pet. Sorry but that is the harsh reality. A animal is a commitment and so are the expenses that come with them. If you love animal so much you would care for them properly. Improper care for a animal is animal abuse Nuff' said.

8. Spay and neuter you pets please! There are to many shelter animals in need of homes. Why add to the overpopulation explosion? Not to mention do you really want issues with a roaming male dog  or a female in heat attracting every un-neutered male dog in a 5-10 mile radius?

9. If your going to breed your pet please breed responsibly. Breed only registered, full-blooded, healthy animals. Have good breeding practices i.e. please breed and produce a litter maybe once every other year if not just only a one time affair would be even better and make sure both parents get a full health checkup to make sure there will be no hereditary health issues. Always have good homes pre-planned before you even produce a litter! There is no such thing as a "designer" dog breed. These dogs are mutts plain and simple. I don't care if both parents are registered, purebred whatever once you mix to different breeds they are just that mixed breeds...mutts.

10. License and keep your dog's shots up to date. In other words keep your dog legal. Microchip, ear tattoo or name tag on the collar are important in case your pet ever gets lost or stolen.