What Is Animal Abuse/Cruelty?

In a perfect world we'd never have to worry about or be confronted with animal cruelty and abuse. Unfortunately, it is a reality that happens everyday. In an effort to combat animal cruelty you should know the signs and symptoms as well as what you should do if you suspect animals are being mistreated. All domesticated pets deserve a loving home and sometimes, all it takes is a phone call to put the wheels in motion to bettering an animal's life.

Many people may have the image that animal abuse requires some sort of physical abuse or starvation. In fact abuse of an animal can take many forms.

What is Animal Abuse/Cruelty

Not Providing Adequate Shelter - Pets that are left tied up outside in the rain, snow, wind, and sun without adequate shelter is a form of abuse. All animals should have the opportunity to shelter themselves from the elements.

Not Seeking Medical Treatment - This applies to everything from leaving serious physical injuries untreated to not taking steps to properly safeguard a pet from flea and tick infestations and heart worms.

Malnourished Pets - Anytime you can see an animal's ribs clearly, they are malnourished and in need of care.

Frequent abandonment - Pets that are frequently left alone for extended periods of time without a pet sitter or anyone to check in on them to make sure they are in good health and their basic needs are being met.

Physical Abuse - Striking, choking, or incapacitating an animal in any way

So what should you do if you feel that you have witnessed or are aware of an ongoing situation in which animals are being mistreated? This will vary based on your areas resources. If you have a local Humane Society many of them will have a hotline you can call to report abuse. You can also call your local law enforcement agency and ask for assistance or direction in checking on the situation.

So Many Pets, How Do I Choose?

Almost from the beginning of mankind people have had the urge to have animals for companionship. There is just something about pets that brings a sense of joy and even stability into our daily lives. Almost everyone has had a pet at some point in their lives. While most people have conventional pets such as dogs, cats, birds and fish other people enjoy more unconventional pets, such as flying squirrels, hedge hogs and even tarantulas. With so many different pets available for adoption many people wonder how to go about choosing the right pet for them. Here are some tips that may help you choose the best pet for you and your lifestyle.

How Much Time Do You Have To Devote To A Pet?

The first thing you need to decide is how much time you have available to devote to a pet. Some pets require a lot of time and human interaction while other pets such as fish, really need no human interaction at all. The amount of time you have and are willing to devote to a pet makes a huge difference in the type of pet you decide to adopt.

When Do I Have Time To Devote To A Pet?

Some pets are strictly nocturnal. Meaning that in order to get the full benefit of their companionship you have to be up and active all through the night. Nocturnal pets are great for people who usually work an afternoon job and then are used to staying up into the wee hours of the morning. If you a person who works a morning job, gets home at 5 and is in bed by 11 then a nocturnal pet is not the best bet for you. Choosing an animal that is more active during the day will make you a better companion.

Where You Live Will Make A Difference

Where you live will also make a difference in the kind of pet that will be right for you. If you live in a small apartment, even one that allows pets, then you aren't going to want an animal that takes up too much space or needs a large yard to play in several times a day.people that live in apartments often find that animals who make their home in cage such as a bird, a guinea pig or a hamster is a better pet than the more traditional dog or cat. While both dogs and cats can do well in apartments, you will need to take extra precautions and especially when it comes to dogs, you need to know more about it's size and exercise requirements.