Within New York City alone, the ASPCA’s Humane Law Enforcement Department investigates over 5,000 cases of animal cruelty each year; the animals vary from household pets to horses and livestock. However, most cases are never reported and the animal’s suffering goes unrecognized and without the necessary intervention. To assist in the protection of abused animals, the Guardians of Rescue organization steps in.
“It’s easy to overlook the many animals in distress, or to turn away from it,” Robert Misseri, president of Guardians of Rescue, stated. “We don’t do that. We work hard, with the support of those in the public, to help these animals in need, and we feel great doing it.”
The Guardians of Rescue, based in New York, provides a variety of programs to help and support animals in need, including Junior Guardians. Junior Guardians educates young people on how to recognize animal abuse and report it to the proper authorities and how to fight animal abuse. According to the ASPCA, here are ten tips to recognize and report animal abuse:
1. Visible wounds. Abused animals often have visible signs of illness or injury that are not usually being treated.
2. Unhealthy body. Some animals that are not being properly cared for will be emaciated, where their bones are showing, or may be extremely thin.
3. Inadequate grooming. More than just not being brushed, these animals have not been taken care of and are dirty, have overgrown nails, and may have fur that has been extremely matted.
4. Weakness. A sign that animal has been abused may be that they are not able to move around normally or may be limping.
5. Isolated outside. Pets that are left outdoors for a long time are of concern. They may be in unsanitary conditions and not have access to food and water.
6. Unsafe conditions. If a pet is kept in an area that is unsafe and could lead to injury, such as if the area has a lot of broken glass or garbage.
7. Incorrectly crated. While many people crate their pet, it may be abusive if they are using a crate that is too small and does not allow the animal to engage in normal movements, such as standing up.
8. To Report, Make the Call: Those who believe animal abuse may be taking place should contact their local animal shelter or animal control department. Those who are unable to locate the local shelter or humane society, contact the local police at a non-emergency number and get a referral.
9. Be detailed. If there is animal abuse taking place try to get as many details as possible, so that they can be handed over to the authorities. They will need information such as what was happening, times and dates, and the location.
10. Follow-Up: The calls made to report animal abuse are kept anonymous. But they can still be followed up on if they do not hear back from authorities about it in a reasonable time frame. The person turning in the abuse can also choose to testify if they would like to.
Recently, the Guardians of Rescue stepped in to respond to a call about two pit bulls being kept in poor conditions. Eleven puppies were found in a dark basement, neglected. The Guardians of Rescue swept in and the mother and puppies were removed for the house, treated for their injuries and sheltered. The Guardians of Rescue is a non-profit organization aimed at assisting animals in distress through providing support and shelter to animals in need.
To learn more, or to make a donation to support the Guardians of Rescue, log onto www.guardiansofrescue.org.
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Source:
ASPCA: How to Recognize Cruelty. < http://www.aspca.org/Fight-Animal-Cruelty/how-to-recognize-cruelty>
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